When you see or hear the term generational trauma you likely think of the vices and not the virtues you may have inherited from your family. But what does this heavily charged term really mean? And if generational trauma is something you are currently carrying, how do you release and heal ancestral pain? How do you break the cycle?

Generational trauma, also known as transgenerational or intergenerational trauma, is a psychological term for trauma that is passed on to subsequent generations. Meaning, the trauma extends from one generation to the next. Think of the behavioral patterns and relational dynamics of the home you grew up in and ask yourself…

Was it a healthy home environment?

Did you feel safe?

Is history repeating itself in any way in your life – whether in your relationships, parenting style, or lifestyle?

Recovering from trauma is deeply rooted in healing and regulating the nervous system. This is because traumatic experiences override the nervous system’s ability to regulate itself. In response to trauma, you might feel paralyzed and shut down or experience a hypervigilant fight or flight mode. Trauma responses may be necessary for survival, but the body is not designed to live in survival mode long-term. If a dysregulated nervous system is left untreated and survival mode becomes the default state of being, the ripple effect on mental, emotional, physical, and relational well-being can be debilitating.

Polyvagal Theory explores the impact of trauma on the nervous system and provides us with a clear framework for understanding how to help our nervous system recover from trauma. To understand Polyvagal Theory, it’s helpful to know how the nervous system works.