Intergenerational Trauma in the AAPI Community: Understanding and Healing the Past

Intergenerational trauma is a term that describes how the emotional and psychological wounds from one generation can be passed down to the next.

For many in the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, this trauma is deeply rooted in experiences such as war, displacement, racism, and cultural dislocation. These collective histories—ranging from the Vietnam War to Japanese American internment camps—often shape not only the lives of those who directly experienced these events but also the lives of their children, grandchildren, and beyond.

For example, families who have survived war or migration often carry deep emotional scars, even if they don’t always speak about them. Parents may unintentionally pass down their pain through avoidance, repression, or struggles with mental health, leaving younger generations to deal with the emotional fallout without fully understanding its origins. These wounds can manifest as anxiety, depression, difficulties in expressing emotions, or strained relationships within families.

Therapy offers a powerful tool for breaking this cycle. In a safe, supportive environment, individuals can explore the root causes of their emotional pain, understand how past trauma impacts their current lives, and develop healthier ways to cope and relate to others. Therapy techniques like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) can help individuals work through the pain and rebuild stronger, more resilient connections. By recognizing the impact of history on mental health, AAPI individuals and families can begin to process the past and heal, building resilience for future generations.

Addressing intergenerational trauma in therapy is not about blaming previous generations—it’s about understanding how the past has shaped the present and taking active steps to heal. By doing so, individuals can stop the cycle of pain, leading to a more empowered and emotionally healthy future.