Ep 33 What is intergenerational trauma? with Jenny Nigro ASW (they/them)

Mar 27

This week host Renae Johnson (they/them) and Open Space Therapy Collective therapist Jenny Nigro (they/them) discuss what intergenerational trauma is and how it shows up in our lives.

In this episode we answer:

What is intergenerational trauma and why should we be thinking about it?
How can I tell if I am experiencing intergenerational trauma? Is it going to just pop out and give me a breakdown some day?
Is intergenerational trauma something that happens more often to queer and trans people?
How does intergenerational trauma show up in my life and relationships if I am queer?
How can I heal from intergenerational trauma if I am not even close to my family?

Join us as we dive into the complexities of intergenerational trauma and how it shows up in our lives.

Understanding Intergenerational Trauma: A Guide from an LGBTQ+ Therapist

Hey y’all! Today, let’s dive into a topic that's incredibly important but often flies under the radar: intergenerational trauma. As therapists who are passionate about supporting our LGBTQ+ community on their healing journeys, let’s shed some light on what intergenerational trauma is, why it's essential to acknowledge, and how it can show up in our lives.

What is intergenerational trauma?

So, what exactly is intergenerational trauma, and why should we be thinking about it? Well, imagine this: your ancestors or older relatives went through some seriously distressing or oppressive events. The emotional and behavioral responses to those experiences could ripple through the generations of your family and affect you. That's intergenerational trauma in a nutshell. It's like inheriting a heavy suitcase of emotions and experiences that you didn't pack yourself.

Intergenerational trauma can stem from personal experiences, like child abuse or domestic violence, but it can also be rooted in trauma that a specific cultural, racial, or ethnic group endured. Think of major historical events like wars, slavery, the Holocaust, or colonial violence against Native Americans, and the ongoing and current atrocities happening. These traumas leave a mark on our collective consciousness and can impact how we navigate the world today.

Intergenerational Trauma In The Queer Community

As LGBTQ+ individuals, we're no strangers to trauma. From the violence and discrimination faced by queer and trans people throughout history to the ongoing struggle for equality and acceptance, our community has endured its fair share of hardships. That's why it's crucial to recognize how intergenerational trauma can manifest in our lives and relationships.

For many of us, intergenerational trauma can show up as symptoms similar to those of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), like hypervigilance, anxiety, and mood dysregulation. We may not have directly experienced the trauma ourselves, but we feel its effects deeply. Our DNA carries the scars of our ancestors' pain, activating genes to help us survive in a sometimes hostile world.

So, is intergenerational trauma something that happens more to queer and trans people? The short answer: yes. Historical trauma, which meets three criteria: widespread effects, collective suffering, and malicious intent, can have a profound impact on our mental health. From the violent anti-LGBTQ+ oppression throughout history to the devastating losses during the early HIV/AIDS epidemic, our community has faced its fair share of collective trauma.

Healing Is Possible

But here's the thing: healing from intergenerational trauma is possible, even if you're not close to your family. Therapy can be a powerful tool for unpacking the baggage we've inherited and processing the emotions that come with it. By normalizing our experiences and connecting with others who share similar struggles, we can begin to heal from the wounds of the past and create a brighter future for ourselves and our community.

In conclusion, intergenerational trauma is a complex and deeply personal experience that impacts many LGBTQ+ individuals. By acknowledging its existence, understanding how it manifests in our lives, and seeking support when needed, we can begin the journey toward healing and reclaiming our power.

Remember, you're not alone on this journey, and healing is possible. So, let's continue to support and uplift one another as we navigate the complexities of intergenerational trauma and strive for a brighter, more resilient future.

Therapist Bio:

Jenny Nigro ASW (they/them) is a therapist with Open Space Therapy Collective. Jenny specializes in working with adults and older adults who struggle to understand their identity and behaviors and desire to gain confidence and release shame from past experiences.

Host Bio:

Renae Johnson (they/them) founded Open Space Therapy Collective (OSTC), a group practice and community hub that focuses on mental health for and by the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities and their allies.

Renae is an art therapist who specializes in working with queer artists who are exploring their gender identity and recovering from complex trauma. Previous to founding OSTC, Renae spent a decade in community mental health services, providing therapy and as an Operations Director in organizations serving people experiencing complex co-occurring diagnoses. Prior to their career as a therapist, Renae was a working artist who worked in figurative painting and sculpture.

Renae is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Board Certified Art Therapist, and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional.