We’ve been consistently learning and gaining more knowledge about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) since its creation in 1998 by Felitti and colleagues. Although ACEs are concerning on their own, an increasing number of people are starting to talk about their prevalence and impact on our society. This is because, in order to make changes, we must bring attention to the issue.
In this blog, we will discuss the different types of ACEs, their effects, and how therapy can help in healing from ACEs.
Weston Family Psychology prides itself on showing adults, children, and their families how to achieve positive and sustainable change. We are continually training and keeping abreast of the latest research-based developments in psychotherapy to improve our ability to impact clients’ lives in a meaningful way. To know more about our evaluations or therapeutic services, call (954) 384-1117 for a brief phone consultation or set up your initial appointment here.
Overview of Adverse Childhood Experiences
Adverse Childhood Experiences are defined as traumatic and detrimental experiences during childhood and have long-term destructive effects on our health. They fall within three main categories: abuse, household challenges, and neglect.
The following are examples of each category:
Abuse
Emotional: occurs when a household member uses hurtful words, insults or belittles you, or makes you feel afraid for your safety.
Physical: involves being hit, punched, slapped, grabbed, or having objects thrown at you by a household member to the point of leaving marks or injuring you.
Sexual: involves a person at least five years older than you touching or fondling your body in a sexual manner, forcing you to touch someone else in a sexual way, or attempting to engage in any form of sexual activity with you.
Household Challenges
Violence: involves witnessing physical abuse inflicted by one household member upon another.
Substance abuse: this means living in a household where someone has issues with alcohol or drug use.
Mental illness: involves experiencing a household member who is struggling with a mental illness, which may include a history of attempting suicide.
Parental separation or divorce: refers to the experience of your parents separating or divorcing.
Incarcerated family member: refers to living with a household member who has gone to prison or is currently incarcerated.
Neglect
Emotional: happens when household members do not provide emotional support, love, care, or affection to each other, resulting in a lack of closeness, and a feeling of being unimportant or unsupported within the family.
Physical: occurs when household members don’t take care of you or provide for your physical needs (e.g., adequate food, clean clothes, or access to medical care).
What are the Effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences?
Some of the lasting adverse impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences include:
Physical Injury (traumatic brain injury)
Mental health (depression, anxiety, suicide, PTSD)
Maternal health (unintended pregnancy, pregnancy complications, fetal death)
Infectious disease (HIV, STDs)
Chronic disease (heart disease, cancer, diabetes, asthma)
Risky behaviors (alcohol and drug abuse, unsafe sex)
Opportunities (unemployment, lack of education)
Key Statistics About Adverse Childhood Experiences
To help us better understand the prevalence and effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), here are some key statistics:
One in six adults have experienced at least four types of ACEs.
ACEs are associated with at least five of the top ten leading causes of death.
What to Do If You Think You Have Experienced Adverse Childhood Experiences
You may find yourself reading through this blog and identifying with some of the Adverse Childhood Experiences we’ve discussed. If so, you’re not alone.
Although this may be overwhelming initially, you should know that we now have the advantage of over two decades of research. This has spearheaded the development of effective and evidence-based treatments to combat ACEs’ long-lasting effects. We cannot control our adverse childhood experiences, but we can be empowered to seek help from mental health providers trained in trauma-informed psychotherapy.
Ultimately a trauma-informed/focused therapist can walk with you through the process of healing from ACEs in a safe and empowering space you create together.
What to Expect in Therapy for Adverse Childhood Experiences
There are three main phases in therapy for Adverse Childhood Experiences:
1. Safety Stabilization
As part of the safety stabilization phase, it can feel overwhelming and painful to talk about past adverse experiences. Therefore, your therapist will follow your pacing and equip you with skills to regulate and manage your emotions as you progress along your healing journey.
2. Trauma Processing and Integration
During trauma processing and integration, you can expect to learn about the impacts of your traumatic experiences and their effects on your mind and body. Therapy may also focus on creating an impact statement and trauma narrative, which are pivotal elements of trauma processing.
3. Creating a Life Worth Living For
Finally, the last phase will focus on building a healthy lifestyle and creating a life worth living for. This may look different for each of us, but some common practices include finding quiet time to meditate, incorporating yoga or stretching, spending time outside in nature, exercising and staying active, eating a healthy, balanced diet, practicing breathing exercises, or journaling.
Conclusion
Adverse Childhood Experiences are traumatic events that occur during childhood and can have lasting negative effects on an individual’s physical and mental health. However, therapy can be an effective way to ease the impact of ACEs and create a life worth living after trauma.
If you or a loved one identifies with ACEs, it is important to know that you are not alone. Seeking help from a therapist can be the first step towards healing.
At Weston Family Psychology, we offer evidence-based treatments and therapies tailored to meet your unique needs. Our experienced and compassionate mental health professionals are committed to providing the support and guidance you need to achieve your goals and live a fulfilling life.
Contact us today or call (954) 384-1117 to learn more about our services.
