“Trauma decontextualized in a person can look like personality. Trauma decontextualized in a family can look like family traits. And trauma decontextualized in a people can look like culture.”
~Resmaa Menakem
Our therapists at Diaspora Therapy Group are dedicated to providing culturally sensitive, trauma-informed care that recognizes the impact of generational trauma. We support clients in breaking cycles, fostering emotional healing, and building an identity that honors both their history and their future.
Our clinicians offer a space to explore a variety of topics including but not limited to:
Inherited Patterns of Emotional Suppression
Trauma from Historical and Cultural Oppression
Generational trauma often manifests as inherited emotional suppression, where previous generations may have learned to cope by silencing emotions in response to systemic oppression or survival demands. This can lead to difficulty expressing emotions, fear of vulnerability, or avoidance of discussing painful histories. At Diaspora Therapy Group, our therapists provide a space where clients can break the cycle by openly processing these feelings, learning healthier emotional expression, and understanding the roots of these patterns within their family histories.
Many BIPOC and QTPOC individuals carry trauma linked to historical oppression, such as colonialism, slavery, or discrimination faced by their ancestors. This trauma can impact how clients see themselves, their safety, and their place in society. Our therapists focus on reconnecting clients with the strength of their cultural heritage, emphasizing resilience while helping them reframe internalized negative narratives. By understanding how this historical context influences their current experiences, clients can work towards healing and self-empowerment.
Family Roles and
Parentification
Conflict Between Cultural Expectations and Personal Identity
Generational trauma often leads to shifts in family roles, where younger members are pushed into caretaker or mediator positions due to the emotional unavailability of older generations. This is common among eldest daughters, middle daughters, or even only children in immigrant households. Our therapists help clients unpack the impact of taking on these roles early in life and support them in setting boundaries, redefining their relationships, and navigating the guilt that may arise when prioritizing their own needs.
Generational trauma can also appear through cultural expectations passed down from previous generations, often with a focus on survival and fitting into societal norms. BIPOC and QTPOC clients may face pressure to conform to traditional values, which can be at odds with their authentic selves or identities. At Diaspora Therapy Group, our therapists offer a space to explore and reconcile these expectations. We help clients cultivate a sense of self that respects their heritage while affirming their individual journey, reducing internal conflict and fostering self-acceptance.
The following clinicians specialize in this topic:
**Therapist will vary on each page depending on their specialities