Intergenerational Trauma: What Gets Carried Forward | The Many Faces of Trauma | 168

Send us Fan MailIntergenerational trauma is what happens when the impact of trauma is passed down through families and communities—through nervous system patterns, emotional rules, family roles, and the stories we inherit about safety, trust, and worth. In this episode, we explore how people can carry burdens that didn’t start with them, why this isn’t about blaming previous generations, and how healing begins by naming what you’re holding and choosing what you want to continue—or interrupt. Using simple polyvagal-informed language, we look at how children’s nervous systems entrain to the adults around them, shaping a baseline of mobilised protection or shutdown. We close with a gentle practice to help you release what isn’t yours to carry.In this episode, you’ll learnA clear definition of intergenerational trauma and how it differs from “personal” traumaFour ways trauma gets carried: nervous system patterns, emotional rules, roles, and inherited beliefsA polyvagal-informed lens on how family stress becomes a child’s baselinePresent-day signs you may be carrying an older load (guilt, loyalty binds, over-responsibility, rest intolerance)Practical first steps: naming the pattern, guilt tolerance, new rituals, support outside the systemA short grounding practice focused on release and choiceGrounding practice (2–3 minutes): “Release What Isn’t Yours”Feel your feet on the groundMake a loose fist (notice holding)Open the hand (practice release)Phrase: “I honour what came before. I don’t have to carry it all.”Name one small new-pattern choiceCheck the website for the free resources offered for both those affected by trauma and those supporting them.What’s next: Betrayal Trauma: When Trust Becomes Unsafe Support the show💡 If today’s episode touched you, please share it with someone who might need it. 🤝 Become a supporter of the show! Starting at $3/month & leave a review.Stay Connected🌐 Visit nathaliehimmelrich.com💌 Subscribe to the newsletter for resources and updates🎧 Never miss an episode—follow the podcast!💛 Socials   Instagram   FacebookFind Support Resources 💜 For Grievers – Resourceshttps://nathaliehimmelrich.com/grief-trauma-support/💜 For Supporters – Supporting someone https://nathaliehimmelrich.com/supporters-resources/💜 Books – Explore books on grief and healing https://nathaliehimmelrich.com/books/💜 Support – Offers - free and paid https://nathaliehimmelrich.com/free-resources-hub/