Generational Trauma
Find Your CounselorAbout
Like an unwanted heirloom, generational trauma can occur when the impact of trauma or abuse significantly affects not only the person who experienced it personally but also later generations. It has been extensively studied in Holocaust survivors' families and is currently being explored in the context of racial and cultural oppression.
Generational trauma may occur when a child witnesses acts of violence, such as domestic abuse, or is raised in an oppressive environment, such as a war zone or an area affected by a natural disaster. That child is more likely to carry psychological consequences into adulthood, which may reverberate in subsequent generations.
One well-developed theory suggests that trauma may affect genetic processes. It doesn't alter existing DNA, but it can lead to epigenetic changes in how a person’s body reads that DNA. Sometimes turning a specific gene on or off may manifest as anxiety, depression, substance abuse, challenges regulating emotions, sleep disturbances, and heightened traumatic reactivity in descendants.
Therapists trained in trauma recovery, EMDR, DBT, mindfulness, meditation, and somatic therapies can help clients release pain, improve self-awareness, build trust and communication skills, and develop healthy relationships. With the right help, you can break this generational cycle of anxiety, low self-esteem, addictive behaviors, abuse, and depression.
Common Challenges
- depression
- insomnia
- hypervigilance
- PTSD
- feeling detached
- fear of death
Meet our specialists
How does Lifeologie help?
Discuss your concerns with our client care team.
When you reach out to Lifeologie, you’ll be connected with one of our intake specialists. In a “call center?” No way. Our specialists are based in our local Lifeologie offices and know the counselors well. Their entire job is to learn about you and what you’re looking for and to match you with the counselor who will be the very best fit for your needs and preferences.
Find a counselor who is passionate about helping you reach your mental health goals.
Lifeologists are counselors, life coaches and overall wellness advocates who are experts and specialists in their craft. From EMDR to nutrition coaching, brain spotting to play therapy, we have you covered. Even our offices are carefully curated to feel modern, comfortable and inviting. Counseling at Lifeologie is not your typical counseling experience – in any way.
Receive continuous support and guidance as you go on your mental health journey.
Your counselor at Lifeologie will meet you wherever you are, whether you’re just starting in counseling for the first time ever… or returning to a life-long counseling journey after a break. Your Lifeologist will partner with you to meet your goals. Wherever you are, we come alongside and help you move forward!