Trauma is Vast and
its effects are pervasive.
Childhood trauma and chronic stress are among the greatest public health crises facing our nation. When unidentified or unaddressed, the consequences can last a lifetime and are pervasive-affecting mind, body, and spirit. Science tells us it can change us at a cellular level, our DNA, and can even shorten one’s lifespan. Millions of people across all demographics are significantly impacted. The good news is that it can be overcome. We know that one of the greatest protective factors is a consistent, loving adult in the life of a child.
I am a mental health professional and have spent a significant part of my 25 year career witnessing the effects of trauma, immersing myself in learning about trauma, and practicing trauma-informed care. I feel passionately about education, treatment, and prevention.
Perhaps you have experienced childhood trauma or care about someone who has. Perhaps you simply recognize that these are largely preventable experiences impacting so many and want more information. No matter what brought you here, it’s clear you are interested in learning and hopefully doing more to mitigate it. Here you will find what I believe are some of the most valuable resources and information.
Some background. The original ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) study took place at Kaiser Permanente with over 17,000 diverse members living in southern California from 1995-1997. It is one of the largest explorations of later life health being impacted by childhood adversities and stressors such as abuse, caregiver substance use and incarceration, witnessing intimate partner violence. The findings have been foundational for opening eyes and stimulating on-going studies, dialogue, and shifts within the fields of medicine, mental health, and education.
You can read about the study more in-depth in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine.
Websites:
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
CDC Overview and Resources on ACE’s
CDC Tools and Trainings on ACE’s
books:
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk
The Deepest Well: Healing the Long-Term Effects of Childhood Adversity by Nadine Burke Harris
What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing by Bruce D. Perry and Oprah Winfrey
It Didn't Start with You: How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How to End the Cycle by Mark Wolynn
Flyers/PDF’s
Adverse Childhood Experience Prevention