In this powerful conversation, 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/

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💕 Connect with Jess:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thejessvanrose

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeaftertraumapodcast

www.jessicavanrose.com

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