Healing the Legacy of Intergenerational Trauma
"We do not heal the wounds by carrying them for our family. We heal by releasing them for ourselves."
-- Arielle Schwartz
Unresolved trauma of one generation becomes a legacy that is passed down to the next generation until someone is able to feel and heal the loss. It can feel like we are doing this necessary duty for our family when we continue to carry wounds that were passed on to us. We feel a sense of love and loyalty to those who raised us, and it can be incredibly painful and difficult to realize that we have permission to resolve feelings that have, up until this point, felt permanent or like they are/were a core part of who we are. It can also feel scary to release something that has previously protected us from harm when we were most vulnerable.
However, when we mindfully reflect on transgenerational themes, reflecting on patterns and emotions with safety and security, this embodied awareness becomes a reclamation of self. We gain the choice to be who we truly are-- not to deny or ignore what happened to us-- but to flourish in spite of it.
It's important for this work to be done with the trauma-informed care of a trained professional who can collaborate with you, gently pace your therapy, and guide you toward regulation and groundedness when you need it.
Interested in therapy? Reach out!