Transgenerational Trauma & the Holocaust
Trauma can be transmitted from one generation to the next. This also holds true for trauma that is not talked about.
The Holocaust continues to impact on our lives. Silence often covers up what is too horrific and painful to put into words.
Descendants of victims of the Holocaust hold trauma within themselves that they have not directly experienced. This makes its transmission all the more difficult to grasp.
You may…
- feel haunted by the “phantom” (Nicols Abraham) of transgenerational trauma,
- be aware of the impact of transgenerational trauma, but lack the words to describe it,
- be a descendant of Jewish victims, political opponents, or any other persecuted group,
- feel that you have been re-traumatised by new forms of antisemitism, political movements or occurrences, or simply inconsiderate comments.
Psychotherapy
My own family history led to my strong interest in the Holocaust and the transgenerational transmission of its trauma. I have spent many years unravelling and understanding the trauma of my family and its impact on my life.
As a therapist, I will help you to understand the often-unseen connections between your emotional life and the experiences of your traumatised relatives. The silence around Holocaust trauma makes it difficult to grasp, but all the more important to understand. Increased understanding will help you to grieve, a process that is necessary for healing.
