By Kate Smiley, LCSW — Licensed clinical social worker specializing in anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, and EMDR therapy
As a woman in her 70s revisits the haunting echoes of her childhood neighborhood—where, in the early 1940s, she was violently torn from her family during the Holocaust—her body reacts instinctively before her mind can fully comprehend the weight of her homecoming. The air thickens with memories, and each familiar corner ignites a visceral response that etches itself into her very being. Yet, this trauma is not confined to her alone; it seeps into the lives of those who come after her, touching the hearts of generations who bear witness to her unspoken pain. This encapsulates the essence of intergenerational trauma: a legacy of suffering that transcends time, binding the past to the present in a profoundly impactful and often devastating manner.
Intergenerational trauma refers to the phenomenon wherein the effects of trauma experienced by one generation are transmitted to subsequent generations.
This transmission can manifest in various forms and is often described as transgenerational or multigenerational trauma (DeAngeles,T., 2024). The ramifications of such trauma are significant and multifaceted, impacting not only the direct survivors but also their children, grandchildren, and even further descendants. Individuals grappling with intergenerational trauma may confront a range of symptoms, including heightened anxiety, depression, and difficulties in forming healthy relationships. These individuals often exhibit behavioral patterns and emotional responses that reflect the unresolved trauma of their ancestors. The effects are not limited to immediate family dynamics; they can permeate broader familial and community interactions. Emotional and psychological repercussions may manifest as heightened sensitivity to stress, a pervasive sense of loss, or feelings of guilt and shame. Importantly, such trauma can originate from various sources, encompassing not just the experiences of parents and grandparents but any prior generation that endured significant hardship or trauma (Marschal, A., 2024). During my graduate studies in social work at the University of Southern California, I had the profound opportunity to interview a remarkable individual in her mid-70s. Fueled by a deep-rooted passion for understanding the experiences of Holocaust survivors and the extensive effects of their stories on family systems and communities, I was eager to explore this poignant topic in greater depth. My interviewee was a hidden child during the Holocaust. When I inquired about how her parents had died, she promptly corrected me, firmly asserting that they were not merely victims; they were murdered. Her words resonated deeply, revealing the lingering anger and pain she continues to carry.The phenomenon, known as transgenerational trauma, underscores the enduring impact of adverse experiences on descendants who have never directly encountered the original trauma.
Researchers suggest that these effects extend beyond psychological dimensions; they encompass a wide range of familial, social, cultural, neurobiological, and potentially genetic factors. Socially, communities affected by collective trauma may experience disruptions in social cohesion, which can lead to cycles of dysfunction and perpetuate suffering. Furthermore, emerging studies in neurobiology indicate that trauma can leave lasting imprints on the brain and may even affect gene expression (DeAngeles,T., 2024). The urgent conversation about generational trauma is driven by the profound divisions in our nation and the turbulent geopolitical landscape. Wars have ravaged homes and obliterated familiar landmarks, leaving children to witness bloodshed, violence, and chaos. These young souls are growing up with a nervous system permanently wired to be on high alert, never feeling safe in their skin. For them, violence and separation from loved ones have become the painful new normal. We, as a global community, must rise to confront this crisis. The physical wounds of conflict are starkly visible, but the psychological scars run deep, reshaping neurochemistry and manifesting in anxiety, depression, and fractured relationships. This trauma doesn’t just affect individuals; it reverberates through families and communities, creating an ongoing cycle of pain.We must take action.
We must foster healing, advocate for mental health resources, and stand together to pursue peace. Acknowledging the invisible wounds of trauma is essential if we are to break these cycles and build a more compassionate future.Understanding intergenerational trauma is essential for recognizing the lasting legacy of trauma and working toward healing.
By acknowledging these patterns, individuals and communities can begin to address and mitigate the effects of inherited pain, fostering resilience and well-being for future generations. This awareness is a critical step in breaking the cycle of trauma, allowing for the possibility of recovery and transformation in the lives of those affected.Reach out today
Healing wounds of intergenerational trauma requires compassion, insight, and a safe space to explore the past and how it affects your present. Whether you want to break cycles or better understand your past, today is the day to start that journey. Reach out to begin the process of healing and reclaiming your story. Together, we can work toward creating a future free from the weight of inherited trauma.By Kate Smiley, LCSW
Kate Smiley, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker based in California who specializes in anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, and life transitions. Wth 15+ years of experience, she provides both in-person therapy in San Diego and online therapy throughout California, using evidence-based approaches including CBT, EMDR, dialectical behavior therapy, and psychodynamic therapy.
Kate earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California with a concentration in mental health and holds a BA in psychology from Pitzer College. Her clinical work focuses on helping clients build insight, strengthen coping skills, and create meaningful emotional change.
Kate earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California with a concentration in mental health and holds a BA in psychology from Pitzer College. Her clinical work focuses on helping clients build insight, strengthen coping skills, and create meaningful emotional change.