Generational Trauma
Generational trauma is also known as intergenerational or transgenerational trauma. The concept refers to the transmission of survival-based thought patterns and behaviors our ancestors developed in response to the trauma they experienced.
These patterns and behaviors are passed unconsciously to new generations. Generally, people experiencing generational trauma descend from forebears who experienced life-changing trauma such as war, genocide, enslavement, food insecurity, and the like. People of every ethnicity or background can experience generational trauma that is deeply rooted, yet unacknowledged.
For me and you, generational trauma is the inherited psychological and behavioral patterns that helped our ancestors survive systemic racism. Many of these patterns became necessary, though unconscious, behaviors that have the potential to create invisible barriers for Black women who struggle to break through their Success Ceiling.
I developed From Trauma to Triumph™ because I discovered what you (may) already suspect: the very adaptations that helped you survive and achieve remarkable success are now the invisible barriers keeping you from your ultimate potential.
Is this you?
You are a successful Black executive or entrepreneur who is enjoying the benefits of hard work, creativity, and ingenuity. You’ve proven your exceptionalism – but yet something is holding you back from breaking through to your ultimate potential.
No doubt systemic racism is a tremendous barrier. But it is essential to understand that generational trauma responses caused by systemic racism can also stand in your way.
For Black high-achievers, generational trauma typically appears as:
- (Black) Imposter syndrome: they’re not like us!
- Hyper-vigilance and Overworking
- Code-switching
- Perfectionism
These patterns can:
- Exhaust you emotionally and physically
- Prevent you from taking strategic risks
- Sap your creativity
- Reduce your ability to collaborate
- Disconnect you from your authentic leadership voice.