Trauma is not always something that is experienced in the present, it can also be something that has been passed down through generations. Intergenerational trauma, also known as generational trauma, refers to the transmission of trauma from one generation to the next. 

This can occur through various means such as cultural norms, parenting styles, and societal structures. It is important for therapists to understand how this type of trauma can manifest in families and how it can be addressed to break the cycle. 

In this post, I will discuss the concept of intergenerational trauma, the role of resilience, cultural sensitivity and understanding, and the need for systemic change in addressing this issue. This post also emphasises the role of resilience and cultural sensitivity in addressing intergenerational trauma and helping individuals and families break the cycle of trauma.

Generational trauma is a complex trauma that is passed down through generations, affecting the way that individuals understand, cope with, and heal from trauma. It is caused by a traumatic event that occurred decades prior to the current generation and has a significant impact on individuals across their lifespan. As therapists, it is important to understand how this type of historical trauma can manifest in families and how it can be addressed to break the cycle.

How intergenerational trauma affects mental health

Symptoms of generational trauma can include emotional numbness, hesitancy to discuss feelings, trust issues, anxiety, and unhealthy relationship boundaries. It can also show up in post traumatic stress disorder, unhealthy survival behaviours and unhealthy coping mechanisms that have been passed down through generations. Groups that have been affected by generational trauma include descendants of enslavement, refugees, those affected by substance misuse, those who have survived child abuse or domestic violence, sexual abuse victims, and family members of Holocaust survivors, among others.

To address generational trauma, therapists should focus on helping clients feel safe, which is considered "probably the most important aspect of mental health" by Bessel Van der Kolk, author of "The Body Keeps the Score." This can be achieved through an empathetic, unconditional acceptance of the individual's thoughts, feelings, and experiences. In counselling, it is important to assess clients holistically, looking at the person, their environment, and their past, to help them fully understand the meaning of their trauma and heal from it. By understanding that the problem is something they were born into, rather than something they have created for themselves, clients can start to move past their personal and familial trauma.

The concept of intergenerational trauma, which refers to the transmission of trauma from one generation to the next through various means, such as cultural norms, parenting styles, and societal structures. While trauma can be passed down from one generation to the next, so can the ability to cope with and heal from it. By understanding and building resilience, individuals and families can break the cycle of trauma. There is an importance of cultural sensitivity and understanding in addressing intergenerational trauma. Different cultures may have different ways of coping with and healing from trauma, and it is important for therapists to be aware of and respect these differences. There is a clear need for systemic change in addressing intergenerational trauma. Trauma often occurs within larger societal structures such as poverty, racism, and discrimination, and it is important to address these issues in order to truly heal from intergenerational trauma.

Should you see a mental health professional?

In conclusion, generational trauma is a form of trauma that is passed down through generations, affecting the way that individuals understand, cope with, and heal from trauma.

It can manifest in various symptoms such as emotional numbness, trust issues, and unhealthy relationship boundaries. To address this type of trauma, therapists and mental health professionals focus on creating a safe environment for clients and assessing them holistically to help them fully understand and heal from their trauma. Additionally, addressing intergenerational trauma involves recognizing the role of resilience, cultural sensitivity, and systemic change. It is also important to note that different groups have been disproportionately affected by this type of trauma and it is important to be mindful of these experiences in therapy.

I would love to support you every step of the way to overcome your generational trauma. Please reach out to arrange a chat.