A Conversation about intergenerational trauma

Intergenerational TraumaTraumaCounselingTherapyMental Health
Written By Xiomara A. Sosa

April 21, 2025

The X-Podcast: Real Conversations About Mental Health

A Conversation About: Intergenerational Trauma

Episode #52

In this episode, the X-Podcast team has a conversation about intergenerational trauma. They define what intergenerational trauma is and the several different terms that can be used interchangeably when referring to it. Intergenerational trauma means the transmission of trauma-related effects that span across family generations. 

Individuals can experience the emotional and psychological consequences of traumatic experiences that their ancestors had to endure. This can occur even if they did not directly experience the trauma themselves. There are several ways in which this transmission occurs. 

The X-Team discusses how epigenetic changes play a role in the transmission of intergenerational trauma. The Mental Health Academy explains that these traumatic experiences can lead to epigenetic changes. These changes alter gene expression, which can be passed down to future generations. 

The conversation covers the relational and behavioral patterns seen in this transmission of trauma. According to Psychology Today, families can develop patterns of behavior, communication, and relationship styles that are influenced by past trauma. The cultural transmission to future generations also shapes a family through its cultural beliefs, values, and norms. 

Xiomara gets into some of the mental health issues that are related to international trauma. These include anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health challenges. She also discusses some of the relationship issues that can come up. 

These relationship difficulties show up in patterns of communication. They also show up in learned trauma responses that can create challenges when forming and maintaining healthy relationships. Behavioral problems can also show up as substance abuse, impulsivity, and difficulty regulating emotions. 

Xiomara A. Sosa

Creator, Host, and Executive Producer

Listen to this episode and read full show notes at https://blubrry.com/studio_talk_mental_health/144790286/a-conversation-about-intergenerational-trauma/

Listen to all episodes at  https://blubrry.com/studio_talk_mental_health/

#TheXPodcast #MentalHealth #Counseling #Therapy #Caregiving IntergenerationalTrauma #Trauma 

Xiomara A. Sosa

Clinical Mental Health Counselor Xiomara A. Sosa, a holistic, integrative board-certified Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor/Candidate focuses on combining evidence-based treatment with alternative therapies. She focuses on treating the whole person, not just the symptoms of a particular illness or concern. That includes mental health, physical health, emotional well-being, interpersonal relationships, and spiritual needs. She helps you identify patterns in your life that may contribute to your struggles and work on developing strategies for making healthier choices. She is a Latina bilingual counselor and therapist who offers virtual and in-person sessions to individuals in South Carolina. She offers counseling and therapy to individuals in both English and Spanish.

Full bio https://www.counselorxiomaraasosa.com/

https://www.CounselorXiomaraASosa.com
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A Conversation About: Caregiving Part 4: Caregiving Continued