By Jarrette Wright-Booker MA, LPC-S, CAADC
Trauma doesn’t always start with us. For many Black families, the struggles of today are deeply rooted in the experiences of past generations. Intergenerational trauma—the transmission of trauma from one generation to the next—is a reality for many in our community, shaped by histories of enslavement, systemic racism, and economic inequality. Understanding this concept can be a powerful step toward healing. If you’re considering therapy, recognizing how the past influences the present can help you break the cycle and create a healthier future.
What Is Intergenerational Trauma?
Intergenerational trauma occurs when the effects of traumatic events experienced by one generation are passed down to the next. This transmission can happen through learned behaviors, emotional patterns, and even biological changes. For Black families, the legacy of slavery, segregation, and ongoing racial injustice often manifests in ways that impact mental health, relationships, and self-perception.
Think about how a family’s approach to discipline, emotions, or money might trace back to past experiences. A grandparent’s emphasis on “being twice as good” to overcome systemic barriers may reflect a survival mechanism, but it can also create stress and pressure for the next generation.
How Intergenerational Trauma Shows Up
Intergenerational trauma can be subtle or overt, but its effects are often deeply ingrained. Here are some ways it may manifest:
- Emotional Suppression Black families are often praised for their resilience, but this can sometimes lead to suppressing emotions. The “strong Black woman” or “strong Black man” archetype, while empowering in some contexts, can also discourage vulnerability and emotional expression.
- Hyper-Independence Generations of being denied access to resources have taught many to rely only on themselves. While self-reliance is admirable, it can lead to difficulty asking for help or trusting others.
- Discipline Rooted in Fear Strict parenting styles, sometimes rooted in “preparing children for a harsh world,” may stem from historical fears of violence or punishment from external authorities.
- Anxiety About Safety and Success Families may unintentionally pass down fears about safety or economic instability. For example, constant warnings to “watch your back” or “stay in line” can create underlying anxiety.
Examples in Black Media
Black movies and TV shows often provide powerful illustrations of intergenerational trauma:
- “Fences” (2016): The strained relationship between Troy and his son Cory highlights how a father’s unhealed wounds from systemic oppression can impact his parenting style and his son’s dreams.
- “Queen Sugar”: This series beautifully explores how family members grapple with generational pain, unspoken secrets, and the pressure to uphold their family legacy.
- “Bel-Air” (2022): Will’s journey reflects how trauma and survival instincts can shape a young person’s identity and relationships, even when given opportunities to heal.
How Therapy Can Help
If you’re feeling the weight of intergenerational trauma, therapy can be a transformative space to unpack these experiences. Here’s how it can help:
- Uncover Patterns Therapy helps you identify and understand patterns that may have been passed down. Recognizing these cycles is the first step toward breaking them.
- Create New Narratives You can learn to honor your family’s history while rewriting the story for yourself and future generations. Therapy can help you find balance between respecting the past and forging a new path.
- Heal Through Self-Compassion Intergenerational trauma often leaves behind guilt or shame. Therapy provides tools to practice self-compassion and release burdens that aren’t yours to carry.
- Build Emotional Resilience Working with a therapist can help you process emotions in a healthy way, allowing you to move forward with greater emotional strength and openness.
Breaking the Cycle
Healing intergenerational trauma is a journey that requires intention and support. It’s about learning to embrace vulnerability, prioritize mental health, and create space for joy and connection. When you take steps to heal, you’re not just transforming your own life—you’re creating a ripple effect for future generations.
Remember, seeking therapy is not an admission of weakness; it’s an act of strength. Your story matters, and breaking the cycle starts with you. Begin creating a new narrative of thriving by contacting one of caring therapists at Introspective Counseling in Southfield, MI.
