Tagged With "adverse childhood experience"
Blog Post
Was Jesus' ministry "trauma-informed?" [part 1]
I have written before about a growing trend in education, mental health, social services, and health care that has now extended to ministry settings: becoming trauma-informed . Trauma results when we experience something as physically or emotionally harmful or life threatening. A traumatic event, circumstance or series of events leaves a lasting effect on our ability to experience “life to the full” as Jesus intended (John 10:10). Adversity, and particularly traumatic stress in childhood,...
Blog Post
Was Jesus' ministry "trauma-informed?" [part 2]
Was Jesus’ ministry trauma-informed, part 2: recognizing the signs and symptoms of trauma There is a movement that is beginning to take shape across the country when it comes to ministry settings: becoming trauma-informed . The topic concerns churches that are interested in missional engagement with the culture because there is a growing body of evidence that suggests that if we can break the cycle of adversity in childhood we can help everyone experience “life to the full” as Jesus intended...
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Was Jesus' ministry "trauma-informed?" [part 3]: recognizing the signs and symptoms of trauma
Perhaps you have heard about it by now? There’s a movement spreading across the country when it comes to ministry settings: becoming trauma-informed . The topic concerns churches that are interested in missional engagement with the culture because there is a growing body of evidence that suggests that if we can break the cycle of adversity in childhood we can help everyone experience “life to the full” as Jesus intended (John 10:10). In the first post in the series , I focused only the first...
Blog Post
Was Jesus’ ministry “trauma-informed?” [part 4]: Responding to trauma within the compassionate Kingdom of God
There is a movement taking shape across the country when it comes to ministry settings: becoming trauma-informed . I am personally invested in this movement and I am intrigued by the ways I see connections between Jesus’ teachings and trauma-informed ministry principles. In the first post in the series, I focused only the first identifier of a trauma-informed ministry: the realization of the widespread impact of trauma and potential paths for recovery. In the second and third posts, I...
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Webinar Oct. 17 — Integrating ACEs science in pediatrics: Early adopters share lessons from the field
An ACEs Connection webinar co-sponsored with 4 CA In 2017, California became the first state in the country to pass a law supporting universal screening for adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in the 5.3 million children in the state’s Medicaid program. As clinicians around California await the state’s announcement of what this new policy will entail, many are wondering what it takes to integrate ACEs science in a pediatric practice. Meet Drs. Deirdre Bernard-Pearl, R.J. Gillespie and...
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When Hidden Grief Gets Triggered During COVID-19 Confinement
first published by The Meadows 4/15/20 Our sense of loss during the current COVID-19 crisis can trigger hidden emotions from when we experienced a sense of loss before. Whatever early losses you have had in your life — whether they be your own divorce, your parents, or both, or the abandonment of one parent, a childhood or parental illness or death, financial upheaval, constant moving around, or growing up with parental addiction or adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) — they are likely to...
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Whole People Series & Study Guide (www.pbs.org)
There's a fantastic five-part series, Whole People , done by PBS, " spotlighting the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) through personal and community stories. It explores the long-term costs to personal well-being and our society. While much work needs to be done, there are many innovative developments to prevent and treat ACES. We all play a role in becoming a whole people." It's amazing. The five topics covered are as follows: Childhood Trauma Healing Communities A New...
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Why be "trauma-informed?" - a training for churches by Chaplain Chris Haughee, DMin
As I wrap up my doctoral studies, I am excited to see how the concept of becoming “trauma-informed” in ministry is starting to pick up steam across the country. A large part of the credit for furthering that conversation goes to you--my friends and colleagues here on ACEsConnection! It's been humbling to see how our relatively small ministry in Montana has something to add to the conversation. In fact, far from being behind the curve here in Montana, we are on the cutting edge in terms of...
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Why do kids of divorce ask, “Who am I?”
Posted on August 13, 2015 by Linda Jacobs Imagine looking like your father and being proud of that fact. Perhaps at some point in your young life your grandmother proudly said to her friends,...
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Why you faith community should know about ACEs - from Helenair.com
As I begin to share with faith communities throughout Montana why adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) matter and how they can help build more resilient children and healthier communities, I sometimes hear something like this: "But why does it matter? What difference should it make in ministry?” The ACE survey measured the prevalence of ten stress-inducing factors in childhood including abuse, neglect, and substance abuse in the home, and these factors definitely influence ministries...
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You know I really believe!!!
Folks from Pastors to Priests to dharma brothers and sisters and beyond really do have the power if they become educated about adversity in childhood to really make a change for individuals and for the larger community you live in! In fact it is...
Ask the Community
Worth Forwarding - "Caught between the Amygdala and a Hard Place" - by Karyn Purvis, Ph.D. & David Cross, Ph.D.
As so many disturbing and traumatic events involving children have been covered by the media recently - it caused me to reflect on my own journey of becoming trauma-informed. Now that I know what I know, I cannot view such stories in a trauma- un informed way. I've found myself in discussions with others who may, or may not be, trauma-informed. It turns out this one factor predictably correlates with the type of conversation that ensues around any topic covered by the media where children...
Ask the Community
Healing the Inner Child, part 3
How do you root out the lies that were planted in your head when you were traumatized as a child? Most of us come to believe things that are not true about ourselves in the midst of childhood trauma and then carry that belief unconsciously, perhaps...
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Re: Linear draft plan
This paragraph that's the Mission Statement: Build capacity of faith leaders in the community to address issues of trauma. Creating trauma-informed congregations that are able to address the co-occurring epidemics for violence, untreated mental illness, suicide, and addiction in their communities through engagement of the faith community and health ministers. I suggest this for the second sentence: Creating trauma-informed congregations that are able to address the consequences of adverse...
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Re: Faith Based Organizations Paragraph on the new Wikipedia Site
Hi, Dale. Thanks for adding this section! Could you change this sentence: The founder of this ministry was [motivatedhttp://acestoohigh.com/2012/03/13/ex-pastor-marries-science-bible-studies-to-heal-wounds-of-childhood-trauma/ motivated] to create a Bible study for Small groups. ....to read: The founder of this ministry combined the epidemiology of ACEs, the neurobiology of toxic stress and the Bible into a workbook and 12-week course that's being used by clergy in several states. And could...
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Re: Faith Based Organizations Paragraph on the new Wikipedia Site
Thanks for making the changes, Dale. It's so great that you're a Wikipedia author. Can you add the link in that sentence? -- http://acestoohigh.com/2012/03...of-childhood-trauma/ And the sentence after it, I think it's supposed to be faith-based instead of faith abased. Cheers, J.
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Re: Linear draft plan
My suggestions to the linear plan from Kimberly for tomorrows discussion from our most recent email: A. Under mission and Values: Create trauma-informed congregations that are able to address the co-occurring epidemics of Violence Against Children (ACEs) , adult violence, untreated mental illness... etc.... VALUES Prevention as Young as Possible ( T h ere needs to be a statement here somewhere as to preventing ACEs --- it needs to be specific.... such as our values are to protect the rights...
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Re: Faith Based Organizations Paragraph on the new Wikipedia Site
I posted an ADDENDUM to the "Adverse Childhood Experiences Study" Wikipedia article, near the bottom of the page, but above the list of cited references. I regret I am not an "author" who had "created an [Wikipedia] account" beforehand....(Perhaps I'll create an account soon, just in case supplementary information "seems fitting". Thank You Dale, for this.
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Re: You know I really believe!!!
Tina, Thanks so much for sharing your story. Nearly every week someone tells me how their childhood was nearly unbearable were it not for a little old lady who took him or her to Sunday School or took them into her home. Churches have a huge impact, but I'm afraid most pastors are unaware of how a traumatic childhood affects people. I recently read an article in a magazine intended for pastors about "high maintenance" people in church. It spent time bemoaning how some people take advantage...
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Re: You know I really believe!!!
Hi Tina, Thanks for being so open to share your story. I believe it takes courage to share and to heal from childhood adversity. It is time. This is the season to reach more lives and give hope. To help restore dignity and value to wounded people who feel lost even though they are saved. Much love.
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Re: You know I really believe!!!
Originally Posted by Dave Lockridge: Tina, Thanks so much for sharing your story. Nearly every week someone tells me how their childhood was nearly unbearable were it not for a little old lady who took him or her to Sunday School or took them into her home. Churches have a huge impact, but I'm afraid most pastors are unaware of how a traumatic childhood affects people. I recently read an article in a magazine intended for pastors about "high maintenance" people in church. It spent time...
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Re: You know I really believe!!!
I agree with you. Matthew 26: 67-68 gives an account of the physical abuse of Jesus. I am new to posting here, however, have also experienced childhood adversity. It is good to both see and hear the stories and testimonies of God's faithfulness, and the unconditional love from someone or a family in the community. Peace and blessings
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Re: Was Jesus' ministry "trauma-informed?" [part 1]
Chaplain, I love this take. I'm going to be waiting anxiously for the next installment. I've often used Isaiah 61:1 in workshops but now I'm going to incorporate it into my trauma-informed churches workshop. Jesus understood and he had empathy one of the most important traits in dealing with kids in trauma. Thanks so much. Linda
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Re: Was Jesus' ministry "trauma-informed?" [part 1]
Thank you, Linda! Honored that you'd be looking forward to the next installment!
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Re: Confused
Hi Ed, I'm excited that you want to share the information about childhood trauma with the church. It is my belief that God wants to heal the Church from its trauma wounds so that we can reach out to others and offer healing. I've started a movement and written a spiritually integrated trauma recovery model to use in churches and any location open to understanding more about ACE impact. I have a book and workbook on Amazon.com (Break EVERY Stinking Chain! Healing for Hidden Wounds) and offer...
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Re: Silent No More
Maria, I have written a 145 page, 26 lesson, faith-based workbook entitled, Overcoming a Difficult Childhood. The curriculum is currently being used in 14 ministries in 4 states. The book is a combination of solid science and sound biblical principles. University of California will be studying the effectiveness of the program beginning Sept of this year. The curriculum is used in 7 recovery ministries. If you email me at aceovercomers@sbcglobal.net, I can forward you a sample of the lessons.
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Re: Silent No More
The subject of abuse and the effects of adverse childhood experiences are ignored in nearly all seminaries and Bible colleges. Churches are not equipped to understand or minister to people exposed to abuse or family dysfunction. Eight years ago I became aware of The ACE Study. It changed my ministry. Two years ago I started ACE Overcomers, a Bible-based program to help teens and adults overcome the effects of abuse, neglect and dysfunction. I speak in churches to inform both staff and...
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Re: ACE Overcomers Faith-Based Curriculum
Hi, I'm glad to hear about what you're doing with the ACE study. I'm a minister for Healing and Healthy Environments- I see the Healthy Environments as related to Trauma Informed Care and the Healing as related to Traumatic Incident Reduction. I'd love to learn more about how you are working with churches. I have been consulting with churches in the past about abuse prevention and intervention and more recently using Trauma Informed Care as a lens to help groups develop policy and trauma...
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Re: Worth Forwarding - "Caught between the Amygdala and a Hard Place" - by Karyn Purvis, Ph.D. & David Cross, Ph.D.
Steve I have wanted to ask you this and it is a serious question. In one of your posts you stated something like in a strange twist of fate it is us without high aces scores that can make the difference in the area of awareness of aces... I hadn't responded but had wanted to--I think you are right and you are wrong. In other words there are two sides to this coin. And there is the middle for those with a moderate numbers of ACES. I think when my thinking brain goes off line as is often the...
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Re: Youth Ministry and Mental Illness
Yes it is important to respond to mental illness among adolescents as they will be the next set of parents but if we understand adversity in childhood and work with families on prevention and health, rates of adolescent mental health concerns would plummet. A dual approach recognizing and mitigating mental illness, addiction, suicide, family and community violence is the most effective way to gain major change and give so many hope!!!! Dr. Heckman really focuses on this for example early...
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Re: Peek Inside a Classroom: Jasmine
Thank you for such an insightful article. I wish every teacher, child care worker and church leader would read this post. You have explained what is happening in that child's brain very well. Why can't we as a nation figure this out?
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Re: Peek Inside a Classroom: Jasmine
Thank you so much Linda ! Your concluding question is probably the most important thing we do not "see".... Frustrating. I don't get much response even in the church.... Thanks for your support. It only takes one right message in one right place at the right time ! Peace
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Re: Peek Inside a Classroom: Jasmine
I understand about the church issue. I am constantly doing workshops and seminars for children's pastors and for the most part they are clueless. And church family could make such a difference in the lives of these kids. I know because we see this in our DC4K (DivorceCare for Kids) groups. I wish you could be a fly on the wall of a DC4K group. Oh my the healing and changes that take place in these kids in such a short time is amazing. The power of prayer plus the program written to...
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Re: Peek Inside a Classroom: Jasmine
Great article! Keep up the good work Daun! And know that you are on the right track, as you said all it takes is the right message in the right place at the right time. We must continue putting that message out there! Blessings
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Re: Peek Inside a Classroom: Jasmine
Thank you James! For more on a very different defense by children dealing with trauma see "Peek Inside a Classroom:Jose" -- "Peek Inside a Classroom" is a 2 part set (So far). It's on ACEsConnection and HERE
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Re: What does it mean for a ministry to be "trauma-informed?"
I have another friend that has developed a program called "Chained No More." This program is run in churches and is about breaking the chains from childhood. My friend, Robyn Bessemann didn't know much about trauma in the beginning but after lot of study, being raised in a minister's home and ministering to kids and youth of divorce she learned. The Lord impressed upon her to write this program. http://robynbministries.com/chained-no-more/ She also now has an Internet radio show where is...
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Re: What does it mean for a ministry to be "trauma-informed?"
I am the author of "Chained No More...A Journey of Healing for Adult Children of Divorce/Childhood Brokenness ." I did not grow up in a horribly dysfunctional home, did not divorce, or have divorced parents. I did not suffer from abuse, although I had other issues growing up in a pastor's home. It used to be that we all kept our "family business" private, so never really discussed it, nor did we heal from it, so we took it forward into our adult lives. Churches proclaimed the gospel and gave...
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Re: An ACES Presentation as a Sermon
Hi Folks! I'm attaching two documents that I used to deliver the teaching I mentioned in the post above. There is a Powerpoint file that I used on the Sunday that I've converted to a PDF. And the script that accompanies the Powerpoint is also in a PDF document. This presentation and the supporting documents are a 'work in progress.' As Ronnie and I present this to other churches and ministries in the area, I'm sure that it will evolve. We are doing our best to share this important material...
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Re: The Soulful Journey of Recovery: A Guide to Healing from a Traumatic Past for ACAs, Codependents, or Those with Adverse Childhood Experiences
Thanks for this review. I just ordered it---just what I was looking for as I organize a presentation about ACEs. Trying to offer as many recovery suggestions as possible, particularly from a Christian perspective. serenityandhealth.com
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Re: Call for Proposals Philadelphia Trauma Conference (March 6th)
Thank you so much for your interest, Stacy! The conference focuses on interprofessional work, drawing attendees from the Medical & Healthcare, Mental Health, Early Childhood, K-12 Education, Juvenile Justice, Child Welfare, Higher Education, Faith, and Community(Block Captains, organizers, etc.) sectors. The majority of sessions are accessible to cross-disciplinary audiences, while a few are targeted to attendees from specific backgrounds/professions. the website for the conference is...
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Re: Examples of churches, temples, synagogues, mosques, and other faith communities practicing child trauma prevention and intervention?
ACE Overcomers has been at the forefront of the faith-based trauma-informed movement. We train pastors, laymen, law enforcement officers, social, behavioral, and mental health workers in many states. My curriculum, "Overcoming a Difficult Childhood" is used across the states, into Canada, D.R. Congo, and Uganda. Additionally we have a secular program, "Building Healthy Life Skills" (TM) used in high schools and jails. Both programs have been studied by University of California Merced and...
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Re: Religious Engagement Effects on Outcomes of Early Childhood Maltreatment
I find it sad and frustrating that this type of study would have such minimal and inconclusive results. We know the negative impact on a childhood that is steeped in trauma, and I would love to see the church spend more time and resources on stabilizing family life for those in their congregations who are at risk of ACEs. The financial aspect of research is very costly, but the suffering from loss of childhood and quality of life for those impacted by trauma is even higher. I am deeply...
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Re: Religious Engagement Effects on Outcomes of Early Childhood Maltreatment
I completely agree with you Connie. This is an area where the church could have such a great impact. It's my hopes and intention to help our church become 'trauma informed' and see what we can put into place to be intentional at addressing this issue.
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Re: Personal stories from witnesses, U.S. representatives provided an emotional wallop to House Oversight and Reform Committee hearing on childhood trauma
Powerful summary. Thanks for including calls to action and all the video testimony links. This feels hopeful. I'm especially struck by this quote: "Members of the committee held up the courage of the witnesses who told their stories of childhood trauma. “I am so sorry you have to weaponize your pain in order for this and the survivor tribe to be seen and heard, but it is so critical for this work to be survivor-led,“ said Pressely. (Click here for the video of her statement). DeSaulneir told...
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Re: The Power of a Trauma-Informed Ministry
Hello all! I'm very interested in getting trained. I run an organisation in Zambia that helps adult survivors of Child sexual abuse find healing. And i believe this training will really help us. Is it possible to get a schedule of the trainings, so that I can plan on when to attend?
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Re: Resilience Surveys and the Christian Faith
You might check in with Shelley Melia. I went to a workshop last year at the LifeWay KidMin Conference and she talked about grief and resilience in kids. She has a child's capacity for resilience survey and a parent survey. Don't know if this is what you are looking for but contact and her and find out. Here is her contact info: Shelly Melia, PhD Assistant Professor of Childhood Education Program Director of MA in Children’s Ministry and MA in Christian Education/ Graduate School of Ministry...