Generational Trauma
As a clinician in the pursuit and practice of mental health, generational trauma is something that I often think about. You might be wondering, ‘what exactly is generational trauma?’ and if you are, you’re not alone. It is a complex concept to revel in. I found a lot of clarity through reading the book It Didn’t Start With You (#ad). Essentially, we each inherit a stress response and temperament from the generations that came before us, and we pass this on down to our children as well. It is typically within a three generational cycle that we are most impacted by and capable of influencing, meaning that your temperament has been shaped by your parents and grandparents, and that your decisions today will impact your children and grandchildren.
Thinking about trauma on the spectrum of a generational timeline is an interesting way to see it more objectively, which often brings clarity. If you are someone who worries a lot, for example, you may have inherited this disposition from one of your parents or grandparents. Perhaps the reason for all of the excessive worrying is rooted in a trauma, and it may not have originally been yours! Trauma can come in many different forms; it could be the loss of a loved one, the endurance of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, it could be a sudden life altering event, such as a car accident or natural disaster. And it can also be as complex as culture itself. Many people grow up in an environment where they never feel understood, valued, or safe - this in itself can result in complex ptsd where the ability to trust that other people are reliable and safe is absent. As Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents (#ad), we can make the choice to heal from our childhood wounds and break the “generational curse”, as some may call it.
If you’re interested in exploring the generational trauma that you may have inherited, therapy can be a safe, confidential, and productive space for you to gain insight. Interventions like genograms, reenactments, and letter writing can be powerful tools for personal growth, and in the transformation of relationships. If you’re interested in this type of personal development, reach out to me to set up a free 30 minute consultation!