What is intergenerational trauma?
What is intergenerational trauma?
You’ve spent years – decades, even – feeling stuck or off in some way.
You might have achieved a lot of outward success, but inside you feel like a scared little kid.
You feel like you’re carrying baggage that may not be yours. You’re constantly bracing for danger - you feel it in your hips, your jaw, your shoulders.
Your emotions overwhelm you, so you learned to power through, but inside you sometimes wonder how you got so f*cking broken.
First of all, nothing is wrong with you.
You’re not broken.
But you might be struggling with the effects of intergenerational trauma.
What is intergenerational trauma?
Intergenerational trauma is when the effects of trauma get passed down through generations.
The ripple effects of trauma can be felt for a long time – so it makes sense that you feel like you’re carrying something that isn’t yours.
Intergenerational trauma can originate from abuse, forced or voluntary migration, genocides like the Holocaust, systemic oppressions and so much more.
The survivors of the initial trauma may have been your parents, grandparents, and even further back.
What are the possible effects of intergenerational trauma?
The initial trauma didn’t happen to you, but it’s been passed down to you. Internalizing it isn’t a conscious process – and it isn’t your fault. Trauma is both felt and passed down on an emotional, body-based, sensory level (as well as in words).
The effects are seen in how those who came before you coped with challenges, navigated relationships, dealt with danger, parented their kids, expressed or suppressed their emotions and so much more.
Often, it can lead to decades of unhealthy dynamics, family dysfunction, anxiety, and more.
What you’re carrying isn’t yours - healing is possible
But you’re still carrying it – so it may be time to learn how to put it down and step into a lighter version of yourself.
Healing is possible.
This quote by Terry Real that has really resonated with me lately - “Family dysfunction rolls down from generation to generation, like a fire in the woods, taking down everything in its path until one generation has the courage to turn and face the flames. That person brings peace to their ancestors and spares the children that follow.”
Reach out for therapy for intergenerational trauma in NYC
If you’re struggling with the ripple effects of intergenerational trauma, know that it’s not your fault. Like the far-spreading roots of a tree, the effects of intergenerational trauma can spread into all areas of your life.
I’d love to help you unpack the stories of those who came before you, while connecting to the resilience that exists in you. Music therapy can help you explore patterns and feelings, while connecting to a sense of movement and ease.
If you’re interested in working together, you can learn more about me here and schedule your free therapy intro call.
About the Author
Maya is a music therapist and psychotherapist in NYC and online throughout New York State. She specializes in helping women struggling with childhood/intergenerational trauma feel good enough, learn how to express all their feelings without overwhelm, and understand how long-held family stories impact how they show up now.
If you’re interested in working with Maya, you can learn more here or schedule your free intro call for therapy today.
You don’t have to stay stuck - it’s time to reclaim your rhythm.