Childhood trauma & ACEs therapy
Childhood experiences shape who we are, but not all of those experiences are positive. If you grew up with adversity such as neglect, abuse, or family instability, you may still feel the impact today. These difficult events are often called Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and they can affect emotional wellbeing, relationships, and even physical health.
Childhood trauma doesn’t need to define your future. With the right support, healing is possible, and therapy can help you build resilience, self-compassion, and a sense of safety.
What Is Childhood Trauma or ACEs?
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) refer to stressful or traumatic events that occur before the age of 18. Common examples include:
- Emotional, physical, or sexual abuse
- Neglect or lack of basic care
- Growing up in a household with addiction, mental illness, or domestic violence
- Separation or loss of a parent through divorce, incarceration, or death
These early challenges can overwhelm a child’s ability to cope. While not everyone with ACEs experiences long-term struggles, many find that the effects surface later in life.
The Impacts of Childhood Trauma
Research shows that ACEs can have lasting effects on both mental health and physical health. Some common impacts include:
- Anxiety, depression, or mood swings
- Difficulty trusting others or maintaining healthy relationships
- Low self-esteem or feelings of shame
- Trouble regulating emotions or coping with stress
- Sleep issues, chronic pain, or other health concerns linked to prolonged stress
These challenges are not signs of weakness – they are understandable responses to overwhelming experiences, and our brain’s way of adapting to survive.
How Therapy Can Help With Childhood Trauma
Therapy offers a safe, supportive space to explore the impact of childhood trauma at your own pace. Together, we can:
- Process your experiences in a way that feels safe and manageable
- Learn coping tools to regulate emotions and reduce anxiety or overwhelm
- Build healthier relationships by practicing trust and connection
- Develop resilience so you can break free from old patterns
- Reclaim your sense of self worth and create a more fulfilling future
You don’t have to face the effects of ACEs alone. Counselling is not about erasing the past, but about learning new ways to live with greater peace and confidence.
Taking the first step
If think you might be ready to talk about your childhood experiences, get in touch to schedule a phone call.