Many people come to therapy believing they are struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship conflict, or low self-esteem without realizing that some of these patterns may have roots that extend far beyond their own life experiences. Sometimes the emotional struggles we carry are not just our own—they are inherited through generations of family experiences, beliefs, and coping strategies. This is known as intergenerational trauma.

It can feel confusing — and sometimes even unsettling — to find yourself frequently thinking about a high school romance while you’re in a committed partnership. You might wonder what it means. Does it signal something missing in your current relationship? Does it mean you made the wrong choice? Or are you just stuck in nostalgia?