Blog 1

Client: I hate going to my grandparents’ house.

Therapist: Tell me more.

Client: They’re just like my parents. Yesterday, my grandpa started yelling at me for changing the channel on the TV. I tried to explain that I didn’t know he was watching a show, but he threatened to slap me if I didn’t stop talking. At least when I’m at home, I can go to my room to escape my parents.

Therapist: It sounds like your family is stuck in a destructive cycle, but that isn’t an excuse for how your grandpa treated you.

The client sees the similarities in their parents’ and grandparents’ behavior because the parents modeled the parenting style of the grandparents, and the grandparents likely learned the same patterns from their parents. This repetitive pattern is a classic example of generational trauma preventing the family from recognizing the emotional fallout from the dysfunctional patterns in the family. Often, if a family member questions the disturbing behaviors in the family, the simple answer will be, “it’s always been that way.”

In an ideal world, the client would have a challenging conversation about generational trauma with the parents and grandparents. However, therapy is a good start if this isn’t in the cards. The client’s healing journey will help them understand how the trauma history of their family made them see the world distortedly. The client’s growth can create the first generation in the family that doesn’t pass down the generational pattern of abuse.

Oh, what a wonderful world, one less adult in therapy trying to understand why they see the world so differently or questioning if they are good enough.

 Never forget, kids, go through stuff too!

Always be kind!

I appreciate you reading my post, and I hope you will join me in the community that brings awareness to mental health.

Disclaimer: Social media is not therapy. Everything I share should be viewed as a guide, not an intervention. Everyone is different, and different insights and tools may resonate differently depending on your situation. Take care of your mental health.