Are Adverse Childhood Experiences Affecting You? Understanding ACEs, Their Impact, and How Therapy Can Help You Heal: By Smyrna Gonzalez, Psychologist
Introduction
If you’ve ever wondered why certain emotions, reactions, or patterns follow you into adulthood, you’re not alone. Many adults discover that the roots of their stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, or health concerns trace back to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).
At our practice, we support individuals across Canada who are navigating life with the long-lasting effects of difficult childhood experiences. Understanding ACEs is often the first step toward meaningful healing—and you are taking that step right now.
What Are ACEs? (Adverse Childhood Experiences)
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) include certain types of trauma, stress, or instability experienced during the first 18 years of life. These may include:
Emotional or physical neglect
Emotional, physical, or sexual abuse
Household dysfunction
Parent or caregiver with mental illness or substance use
Parental separation or divorce
Witnessing domestic violence
A family member being incarcerated
Research shows that ACEs are far more common than most people realize. According to Canadian data, 61% of adults have experienced at least one ACE, while 16% have experienced four or more.
Learn more: Public Health Agency of Canada – Adverse Childhood Experiences
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/health-risks-safety/adverse-childhood-experiences.html
Building awareness of your ACEs can help you understand your emotional patterns, your triggers, and your overall well-being.
How ACEs Impact Children and Adults
ACEs in Childhood
Childhood trauma or chronic stress can affect a child’s development and functioning. Children with higher ACE scores may experience:
Behavioural challenges
Learning difficulties
Trouble with emotional regulation
Increased health concerns or special healthcare needs
More information: Alberta Health Services – Childhood Trauma
https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=abq4632
ACEs in Adulthood
The impact of ACEs doesn’t end in childhood. Adults with higher ACE scores may experience:
Anxiety, depression, or low self-worth
Substance use struggles
Chronic pain or autoimmune concerns
Migraines or digestive issues
Difficulty with boundaries or relationships
Although ACEs increase risk factors, they do not determine your future. Healing and change are always possible with the right support.
How Therapy Helps Heal ACEs
Therapy provides a safe, supportive environment to understand the effects of ACEs and create positive change. Approaches that often help include:
1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Helps reframe unhelpful thoughts, reduce anxiety, and build coping skills.
2. Psychodynamic Therapy
Explores how early experiences influence present patterns.
3. Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Supports behaviour change, healing, and self-awareness.
4. Family Therapy
Strengthens communication and can help break intergenerational patterns.
5. Psychoeducation
Learning why your mind and body react the way they do fosters compassion and empowerment.
6. Community and Social Supports
Housing support, life-skills programs, and community services can help individuals navigating big transitions or who are experiencing instability.
Helpful Canadian resources:
Canadian Mental Health Association: https://cmha.ca
Kids Help Phone (for youth & families): https://kidshelpphone.ca
Wellness Together Canada: https://www.wellnesstogether.ca
Practical Steps to Begin Healing from ACEs
If you feel overwhelmed by the weight of your childhood experiences, gentle and intentional steps can help you start grounding and healing:
✔ Start Therapy
Therapy helps you understand your ACEs, develop healthier responses, and gain tools to manage triggers.
✔ Build Predictable Routines
Daily structure reduces stress and increases a sense of control.
✔ Give & Receive Affection
Caring relationships help rebuild emotional safety.
✔ Support Children With Safe Adults
One trusted adult can dramatically buffer against the effects of adversity.
More parenting resources:
Government of Canada – Positive Parenting
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/childhood-adolescence/positive-parenting.html
✔ Honour Your Physical Boundaries
You are allowed to say “no.” Feeling in charge of your body is foundational to healing from ACEs.
✔ Ask for Help
Reaching out is a sign of strength—not weakness.
You Are Not Alone — And Support Is Available
ACEs can shape your experiences, but they do not define who you are. Many people with high ACE scores live healthy, empowered, meaningful lives—with support, awareness, and healing.
If you recognize the effects of ACEs in your life, connecting with a mental-health professional can make a profound difference.
At our practice, Smyrna Gonzalez, Psychologist, offers trauma-informed, compassionate therapy to help clients understand their past and build a healthier, more grounded future.
Ready to Begin Healing? Book a Session Today
If you’re ready to explore how your childhood experiences may be affecting your life, we’re here to help.
👉 Book an appointment with Smyrna Gonzalez, Psychologist
You deserve support.
You deserve healing.
And you deserve to feel safe in your own life.
