In this deeply insightful episode, Emily Cleghorn—mama mentor, coach, and author—shares her journey from carrying unhealed childhood trauma to breaking generational cycles for her children. Emily opens up about the moment she admitted to her husband, “I hate being a mother,” and how that became the turning point in her healing. She explains how trauma can be passed through DNA and parenting patterns, what nervous system regulation really looks like, and the daily practices that helped her reprogram inherited behaviours.
We explore:
- Signs you might be carrying generational trauma
- How to respond to triggers with compassion instead of shame
- Simple journaling prompts to process emotional reactions
- Navigating family dynamics when healing changes relationships
- Holding empathy for those who hurt us while protecting our boundaries
Whether you’re a parent or not, this episode is for anyone ready to rewrite their story and create a future free from the cycles of the past.
Chapters:
00:00 – Trigger Warning & Intro
02:10 – The “Trauma Freight Train” Moment
07:50 – Admitting “I Hate Being a Mother”
09:45 – First Steps in Healing
12:21 – What Generational Trauma Means
17:09 – Signs You’re Carrying Trauma
21:28 – Journaling Through Triggers
28:51 – Breaking Cycles in Daily Life
32:17 – Boundaries Without Guilt
36:50 – Compassion Without Excusing Harm
40:34 – Nervous System Healing Habits
45:08 – Empowering Words for Cycle Breakers
46:15 – Rapid Fire Q&A
48:20 – Connect with Emily
Resources & Links:
- Emily’s Trigger Toolkit: https://mamahoodaftertrauma.ca/shop (use our exclusive discount code: LIFE50)
- Rising from the Ashes Ebook: https://mamahoodaftertrauma.ca/shop
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emily.mamahoodaftertrauma/
☕ Love the show? You can now support Life After Trauma by Buying Me a Coffee. Every coffee helps keep the podcast going and means the world to me!
💕 Connect with Jess:
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thejessvanrose
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeaftertraumapodcast
Every episode is made with so much love. If this one supported you in any way, you can now support the show in return — one tea at a time: buymeacoffee.com/lifeaftertrauma 🤍
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