It Didn't Start with You: How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How to End the Cycle

It Didn’t Start With You: How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How to End the Cycle by Mark Wolynn explores the concept of intergenerational trauma by blending psychology, epigenetics, and storytelling. Published in 2016, the book bridges the gap between science and holistic healing, drawing from Wolynn’s expertise as a leading pioneer in inherited family trauma and the director of The Family Constellation Institute. Written in the self-help and psychology sub-genre, the book delves into how unresolved familial pain can manifest in descendants’ emotional, mental, and physical health. 

Awarded the 2016 Nautilus Award in Psychology, the book has resonated widely, reflecting a broader cultural shift toward integrative approaches to mental health. It examines themes such as The Mechanisms of Trauma Transmission Across Generations; The Intersection of Personal, Familial, and Historical Trauma; and The Relationship Between Physical Health and Psychological Trauma.

This guide refers to the 2016 Penguin Random House LLC edition. 

Content Warning: The source text and this guide discuss trauma, suicide and suicidal ideation, death, and mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, panic attacks, and depression.