Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) refer to traumatic events that can happen during childhood and have long-lasting effects on a person’s health and well-being. These experiences can be difficult, painful, and can impact every area of a child’s life, from their physical health to their emotional stability.
The research on ACEs began many years ago and identified 10 types of trauma. These 10 experiences were found to have a strong connection to many health problems later in life. Let’s take a look at these experiences:
- Physical abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Physical neglect
- Emotional neglect
- A parent who abuses alcohol or drugs
- A parent with a mental illness
- Divorce of parents
- Incarceration of a parent
- Childhood domestic violence
These events can cause children to feel unsafe, unloved, or unsupported. As a result, children might struggle with mental, emotional, and physical health as they grow older.
What Happens to Children Who Experience ACEs?
When children go through ACEs, the stress can affect them in many ways. For example, they may face problems with their physical health, such as stomach issues, heart problems, or headaches. They might also struggle with mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, or anger. Even the way their body develops can be affected.
One of the main ways ACEs hurt children is through a process called "toxic stress." When a child feels threatened or scared for a long period, the body reacts by releasing stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones are part of the body’s natural fight-or-flight response, which is helpful in dangerous situations. However, when the stress is constant, it can hurt the brain and make it harder for a child to focus, learn, or control their emotions.
Toxic stress can even change how a child’s brain develops, which can have lifelong consequences. Studies have shown that ACEs can affect a child’s DNA, leading to a shorter life expectancy and greater health risks as they become adults.
How Therapy Can Help Heal ACEs
As a family therapist, I work with children and families to understand and heal from the effects of ACEs. Therapy can help children process their experiences in a safe and supportive environment, giving them the tools to manage stress, build healthy relationships, and improve their overall well-being. Therapy can also help parents better understand their child’s needs and find ways to create a more supportive, stable environment at home.
In addition to traditional therapy, I also help families develop coping strategies for dealing with stress. These strategies can reduce the impact of ACEs, improve communication, and strengthen family bonds. Whether it's through individual therapy, family counseling, or other interventions, healing from ACEs is possible.
If you or your child has experienced any of the traumatic events listed above, it’s important to know that you don’t have to face this journey alone. Therapy can help children and families heal, grow, and thrive, even after experiencing ACEs. Reach out to a trusted mental health professional, and take the first step toward healing today.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact:Tara Seay, B.A., M.A., LPC-MHSP - Director of Family Solutions, Family TherapistOffice: (901) 701-2873
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Tara Seay, B.A., M.A., LPC-MHSP is a family therapist with experience helping families and children heal from the effects of childhood trauma. She is the Director of Family Solutions, where she offers therapy services aimed at supporting children and families through the challenges of life.
