{"id":22877,"date":"2026-02-02T10:00:35","date_gmt":"2026-02-02T15:00:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/positiveexperience.org\/?p=22877"},"modified":"2026-02-02T15:24:23","modified_gmt":"2026-02-02T20:24:23","slug":"how-can-we-heal-from-adverse-childhood-experiences","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/positiveexperience.org\/blog\/how-can-we-heal-from-adverse-childhood-experiences\/","title":{"rendered":"How can we heal from Adverse Childhood Experiences?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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What are Adverse Childhood Experiences?<\/h2>\n
\"CDC
Credit: CDC<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Adverse Childhood Experiences, or more commonly known as ACEs, are harmful experiences of abuse, neglect, household dysfunction, and other adversities that happen in childhood and can lead to negative health outcomes in adulthood. The seminal 1998 study by Vincent J. Felitti, MD and colleagues, published by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, found a strong connection between the number of ACEs experienced in a person\u2019s life and the increased risks of health behaviors and diseases. Risks include alcoholism, depression, heart disease, and even death. According to data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) between 2011 and 2020, over 60% of adults have had exposure to at least 1 ACEs, and 17% of adults were exposed to 4 or more ACEs in childhood.<\/p>\n

Exposure and the effects of ACEs can create trauma for children and adults. From our research at the HOPE National Resource Center, we know that the practice of positive childhood experiences (PCEs) lessens the lifelong effects of harmful experiences and allows the brain to heal from trauma. The HOPE framework, centered around promoting key types of PCEs we call the Four Building Blocks of HOPE, guides those who work with children, families, and communities to promote PCEs for all children. By practicing and celebrating PCEs, we can help children build resilience and heal from trauma.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]\n

The types of ACEs<\/h2>\n

The original study by Dr. Felitti determined 10 types of ACEs that fall under three categories: abuse, neglect, and household challenges. Additional studies, like the Philadelphia ACE Survey, have since expanded the scope of ACEs to include other adversities such as bullying and discrimination. The CDC outlines both conventional ACEs and other adversities:<\/p>\n

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Credit: CDC<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Abuse<\/h3>\n

The child experiences these types of abuse:<\/p>\n