Intergenerational trauma is defined as trauma that is passed down from those who directly experience an incident to subsequent generations. This type of trauma often goes unrecognized and can be mislabelled as being part of a culture, which allows the cycle to continue. Common symptoms of intergenerational trauma include low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, insomnia, anger, and self-destructive behaviours.

Domestic violence, substance addiction, child abuse and neglect, victim of war, refugee/immigration are all situations that can cause intergenerational trauma.

Unresolved emotions and negative repeated patterns of behaviour (including beliefs) from intergenerational trauma can all contribute to mental illness and unstable mental health. Intergenerational trauma occurs outside of personal experience and can be passed on from one generation to another through family relationships. The trauma may affect a generation directly or indirectly. Each generation can pass along its own trauma to the next through modeling, teaching coping skills, or failing to teach healthy and adaptive ways to resolve stress and achieve wellbeing.

Our therapists prioritize  healing, resilience development, and personal growth when addressing intergenerational trauma