How do I know if I experienced childhood trauma?
You think, “I’m fine. I turned out ok, so everything I went through was just normal family stuff.” Yet, you find yourself struggling with anxiety, depression, emotional eating, and chronic illnesses. Your relationships are suffering. You wonder if you drink too much, or someone has hinted that you might. All of these symptoms have been linked to childhood trauma. Since 1995, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) has conducted a lot of research using a ten questionnaire called the ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences).
Take the ACE
Want to know what your ACE score is? Complete the ACE online here: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/03/02/387007941/take-the-ace-quiz-and-learn-what-it-does-and-doesnt-mean or you can download this version: http://www.acestudy.org/uploads/3/4/9/6/34961588/10-qacecalc.pdf
Results
As your score increases, so do your risk for negative outcomes. A score of 4 or more is considered serious. Childhood trauma and the toxic stress surrounding these events impact brain development. And touch so many other areas of life such as economic, educational, obesity, leading causes of death, chronic illnesses, addictions, alcoholism, and mental health.
The ACE certainly does not cover all types of childhood trauma. However, if your score was high or just taking questionnaire gives you an AHA moment, and suddenly things make sense, counseling can help. Trauma Counseling. EMDR is a very effective counseling approach for trauma. Secondly, addressing the bonds that you had with your caregivers would be another important focus of therapy. Lastly, focusing on your body-physical symptoms, sensations, and ability to relax would be a very comprehensive treatment plan. That which doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. ONLY if it is integrated. Disintegration makes you weaker (Dr. Eric Gentry). EMDR is an integrative approach to trauma, and it is more effective than talk therapy. If you feel that EMDR is right for you, contact me today.