Transgenerational or intergenerational trauma has been a part of my personal and psychotherapy work recently. I read that large numbers of children of holocaust survivors sought mental health treatment, grandchildren were overrepresented by 300% among referrals to child psychiatry clinics in comparison to the general population. Trauma transmission to offspring happens unintentionally and unconsciously. One study examined the intergenerational trauma through a synthesis of literature on the effect of chattel slavery on the culture, identity, and souls of African American male youth from the inner city. Showing that along with learned dysfunctional patterns, the trauma of slavery can indeed be transmitted intergenerationally through indirect and direct methods that can impact daily functioning. 

My sense is that we are deeply connected to our family soul and that no matter how far we move away or how well we individuate, our relatives and ancestors are bound to us. We carry the undigested horror or pain of our families. Exploring the complexities of our lineage- the secrets, truths, losses and traumas shows you the narratives and energies that bind you together. Only through the acknowledgement of what is, are we able of releasing that which does not serve us and create a more conscious connection with the family soul. 

I have been thinking about the transformative justice work that people are doing and how powerful it is to confront an issue from the personal as well as the political. below is a link to an organization that is working to end childhood sexual abuse within five generations. It feels right to set intentions for our future generations.

http://www.generationfive.org