HOW OUR CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES AFFECT US IN ADULTHOOD

ACES (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and why they matter.

Welcome to where we dive deep into the heart of many struggles, specifically the adverse experiences we endured in childhood and why they matter. Here I will lay the groundwork of all of the work I do. Helping my clients understand Developmental Trauma and how it affects us into adulthood.

Now, I understand if you're thinking, "Hold on, Stacey, childhood “trauma” isn't my issue." It might feel too soon for the real, raw talk, but trust me, I've seen it all. In my experience, every issue and every feeling of being "stuck" in life traces back to our earliest experiences, particularly ACEs. These adverse experiences, whether it's abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction, leave a lasting impact on our lives.

Clients often come to me feeling profoundly stuck, not realizing that their struggles stem from these ACEs. Whether it's relationships, self-worth, or something else entirely, it almost always goes back to a series of moments in childhood where they felt unseen, unheard, or unworthy. These experiences form the roots of our struggles, branching out into various aspects of our lives.

Together, let’s explore your journey and pave the way for a brighter, more fulfilling future free from the shadow of the past.

DEVELOPMENTAL TRAUMA: THE 411

Childhood trauma and Developmental Trauma are more common than you might think. According to recent surveys, approximately 30% of children have experienced one Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE), and about 14% have experienced two or more. When including economic hardship, this number increases to about 45%. Parental separation and economic hardship are the most prevalent ACEs across different racial and ethnic groups. Child abuse and ACEs pose serious public health concerns, with long-term impacts on health, opportunity, and well-being.

Types of abuse and neglect include Physical, Sexual, and Emotional Abuse, as well as Neglect, which encompasses the failure to meet a child's basic needs and emotional validation. ACEs can also arise from exposure to violence or family members attempting or dying by suicide, and from environmental factors such as substance abuse, mental health issues, or instability due to parental separation or incarceration.

This is not an exhaustive list, as various traumatic experiences can affect one's health and well-being.

THE IMPACT OF ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES ON ADULTS

The impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on adults can be profound and far-reaching. Any experience that leaves a child feeling unseen, unheard, or unworthy can have lifelong effects.

ACEs are linked to chronic health issues, mental illness, and substance abuse in adolescence and adulthood. They can hinder education, job opportunities, and earning potential. ACEs increase the risk of injury, sexually transmitted infections, maternal and child health problems, involvement in sex trafficking, and chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

Moreover, ACEs and associated social determinants of health can lead to toxic stress, affecting brain development, immune systems, and stress-response systems. Children growing up with toxic stress may struggle with relationships, employment, finances, and mental health throughout life, potentially passing on these effects to their own children.

But there's hope. As a trauma-trained coach, I understand the impact of these experiences and have the tools to help you move forward. It's possible to shift from surviving to thriving, and I'm here to guide you through that journey. Awareness is the first step toward healing.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ACES

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**If you feel that ACES has had an impact on your life and you would like help resolving these long-term effects, drop me a line, and let's connect on how to move beyond the circumstance!

HOW CHILDHOOD TRAUMA CAN SHOW UP IN ADULTHOOD

  • Low self-esteem, self-doubt, inner critic, fear of not fitting in, social anxiety, trust issues, perfectionism, difficulty setting boundaries, people-pleasing.

  • anxiety, depression, anger, shame,loneliness, numbness, avoidance, feeling detached, disconnected, and disassociated,, anger issues, emotional dysregulation, withdrawal,

  • Insomnia, anxiety, panic attacks, migraines, IBS, skin problems, weight issues, inability to heal wounds, chronic pain, autoimmune, sleep disorders, compromised immunity,

  • Limiting money beliefs, financial instability, pay riase or promotion discomfort, poor performance at work, presentation skills, confidence and leadership

  • Fear of commitment, fear of rejection or abandonment, repetitive patterns of dating the "wrong people", trust issues, placing other people's needs ahead of their own

  • Procrastination, lack of motivation, controlling issues, nail-biting, OCD, overspending, people pleasing, perfectionsim, Burnout, “workaholic”

  • Fear of: failure, fear of change, fear of uncertainty, public speaking, using your voice, being seen, fear of mistakes
    (hello Perfectionism!)

  • Substance abuse, alcohol addiction, gambling addiction, internet addiction, gaming addiction, food addiction, and more.

UNCOVER THE ROOT OF YOUR STUCKNESS

Book a Consultation Today

Book your 75-minute consultation and I'll be all ears, listening attentively to your current challenges. In return, I'll share how I can assist you in breaking free from your challenges. We'll explore the solutions that best align with your unique needs. Whether we connect via Zoom or in person where applicable, this session is crafted to equip you with newfound clarity and profound insights.

Secure your 75-minute consultation today!.