Understanding Intergenerational Trauma

Intergenerational trauma can manifest in family patterns, belief systems, coping mechanisms, and even biological changes that affect how we respond to stress. Understanding these patterns is the first step toward healing—not just for yourself, but potentially for future generations.

Intergenerational trauma can show up in various ways across families and individuals:

• Repeated patterns of relational difficulties, substance use, or mental health challenges across generations
• Family secrets, unspoken rules, or topics that are never discussed
• Chronic hypervigilance, anxiety, or fear without clear present-day triggers
• Difficulty trusting others or forming secure attachments
• Unexplained shame, guilt, or feelings of unworthiness
• Rigid family roles or expectations that limit individual growth
• Difficulty expressing emotions or communicating openly
• Substance abuse patterns that repeat across generations
• Poverty, discrimination, or social disadvantage affecting multiple generations
• Cultural trauma from historical events like war, displacement, or oppression

These patterns often feel “normal” within families because they’ve been present for so long, but they can significantly impact wellbeing and life satisfaction.

Intergenerational trauma can stem from various experiences and contexts:

• Historical trauma affecting communities (war, genocide, colonisation, displacement)
• Childhood abuse, neglect, or family violence across generations
• Parental mental health challenges, substance use, or untreated trauma
• Systemic oppression, discrimination, or social marginalisation
• Poverty, immigration stress, or cultural displacement
• Unprocessed grief and loss affecting family systems
• Cultural practices that perpetuate harmful patterns
• Medical trauma or genetic predispositions to mental health conditions

Parents and caregivers can unknowingly pass on their own unhealed wounds through parenting styles, belief systems, and coping mechanisms.

The hopeful news is that intergenerational trauma patterns can be interrupted and healed. At Seed Psychology, our experienced psychologists use approaches including Family Systems Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Trauma-Informed CBT to help clients understand and transform these deep-rooted patterns.

Therapy can help you:

• Identify and understand intergenerational patterns in your family system
• Separate your own experiences from inherited trauma responses
• Develop healthier coping mechanisms and belief systems
• Process unresolved grief and trauma from previous generations
• Create new, healthier patterns for current and future relationships
• Develop cultural identity and pride while addressing harmful patterns
• Build resilience and post-traumatic growth
• Establish boundaries with family members when necessary

Healing intergenerational trauma is profound work that can transform not only your own life but create positive change for future generations.

Breaking cycles of intergenerational trauma is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give yourself and your family. It takes courage to examine family patterns and choose a different path.

Our culturally sensitive team at Seed Psychology understands the complex dynamics of intergenerational trauma and is here to support you in this important healing work. We respect diverse cultural backgrounds and family systems while helping you create positive change.

Connect with us to book an appointment with a psychologist in our Brunswick clinic or via telehealth Australia-wide.