You Don’t Have to Relive It: How Therapy Helps When Parenting Triggers Trauma

Hey, Shameless Mamas - Let’s Talk about Maternal Mental Health

Motherhood is one of life’s most rewarding journeys—but it can also bring unexpected emotional challenges. For many mothers, ordinary parenting moments can stir childhood trauma resurfacing in motherhood. A tantrum, a milestone, or a simple interaction can trigger memories and emotions from your own past, leaving you overwhelmed and unsure how to respond.

You are not alone. The good news is that therapy can help you process these triggers, heal old wounds, and reclaim a sense of calm and confidence as a parent.

Why Parenting Triggers Old Trauma

It’s common for mothers to experience emotional reactions that feel disproportionate to the situation. This is often your own trauma triggered by your child’s age. Your child may reach the same age at which your own trauma occurred, stirring memories, fears, or anxiety that feel familiar but are rooted in your past experiences.

Typical triggers include:

• Starting school or a new activity

• Emotional outbursts or testing boundaries

• Teen milestones and adolescent independence

Recognizing that these responses are linked to mom trauma can help you approach them with compassion rather than shame.

Motherhood and PTSD

For mothers with unresolved trauma, these moments can intersect with motherhood and PTSD. Intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, hypervigilance, or intense emotional reactions may arise. Many mothers struggle with the question, “How can I be a good mom while processing trauma?”

The truth is, acknowledging your trauma and seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Therapy allows you to address these experiences without letting them dictate your parenting.

How to Heal Your Mother Wound

Healing your mother wound involves recognizing past patterns, practicing self-compassion, and taking intentional steps toward growth. Strategies include:

• Working with a therapist trained in EMDR for trauma in mothers

• Mindfulness and grounding practices during triggering parenting moments

• Journaling or reflective exercises to explore your mom trauma

• Connecting with supportive communities of mothers navigating motherhood and PTSD

By actively engaging in healing your mother wound, you create space to parent with presence, empathy, and confidence.

Breaking the Cycle of Generational Trauma

Addressing old trauma as a mother provides a unique opportunity for generational trauma healing. By processing your triggers and emotional patterns, you model resilience and emotional health for your child. Healing isn’t about perfection—it’s about awareness, intention, and seeking the support needed to transform your parenting experience.

EMDR for trauma in mothers, combined with ongoing therapy, gives you the tools to navigate triggers, restore emotional balance, and create a healthier emotional environment for your family.

You don’t have to relive the pain of your past while parenting. By addressing trauma triggered by your child’s age and engaging in therapies like EMDR, you can reclaim your sense of calm, confidence, and connection as a mother. Seeking therapy for resurfaced trauma is a courageous step toward breaking generational patterns and truly healing your mother wound.

Ready to start your healing journey? Contact Shameless Mama Wellness today to schedule a free consultation.

With Warmth and in Solidarity,
Marilyn

I provide a safe haven to discuss the thoughts you keep hidden.

As a Postpartum Therapist in California, I offer many services utilizing evidence-based treatments. Some services at Shameless Mama Wellness include treatment for postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety, birth trauma therapy, fertility counseling, therapy for miscarriage and loss, pregnancy therapy and treatment for NICU PTSD.

Online therapy available to new moms in California.