We can talk about grit, resilience and mindsets all we want. These approaches, while useful in a limited way, operate off a deficit model. There is something wrong in individuals that needs to be fixed -- repaired. And, there is a built in assumption that those who have high ACEs can return to the status quo ante -- they can bounce back. But, these are flawed arguments and here's why. Those with high ACEs are forever changed; they cannot bounce back. (There are neurological reasons among...

When I first heard about the CDC-Kaiser Permanente ACE Study , it felt like a light bulb had actually gone on. Finally, FINALLY, someone was validating what I saw every single day teaching in East Oakland. For eight years, I taught at an elementary school in the most violent part of Oakland , the part that the police called the “Killing Zone.” The kids in my class had seen friends, neighbors, and family members shot or stabbed, and routinely hid in bathrooms and closets when gang fights...

To prevent and treat trauma, we all benefit from receiving a basic education in how emotions work in the mind and body. Sadly, we don't get this education in our formal schooling. So we must take it upon ourselves to learn.

Dr. Kristina Brinkerhoff, a consultant, keynote speaker, presenter and trainer, leverages over 20 years of experience as a teacher, principal, superintendent and adoptive mom of five foster children, to help educators gain an understanding of the effects Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and the importance of trauma informed practice in schools.

Congrats!!! What a wonderful accomplishment. To not only write your book, but to have it honored. So inspiring!

Thank you for the congratulations!! I’m just delighted if it will bring more attention to the book and emotion education. And I must say the validation feels pretty sweet. Thank you again.

Thanks for the write up Karen. I love the "bouncing forward" idea, and I'm going to check this book out.

In this extended "How to talk policy and influence people" interview with Christine "Cissy" White, a writer (see healwritenow.com), mom, trauma survivor (including child sexual abuse) and staff member of Aces Connection, we discuss the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) science and the importance of attachment and a felt sense of safety for health and human flourishing. We explore some criticisms of the ACEs framework, the benefits and risks of ACEs screening and problems with the concept...

Healing the Heart Through the Creative Arts, Education & Advocacy Hope, Healing & Help for Trauma, Abuse & Mental Health “ Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars”. Kahlil Gibran The Surviving Spirit Newsletter June 2021 http://newsletters.survivingspirit.com/pdfs/2021-06-The_Surviving_Spirit_Newsletter_June_2021.pdf Hi folks, June is NATIONAL PTSD AWARENESS MONTH I thought I would share a few of the resources that have...

Thank you Michael so much for your list of resources. At this time in my life, there are far more resources for me to use now then there are problems and trauma. And I never ever thought that would happen Since the Dr. Mate talks , it seems as if the whole world has opened up and is offering help, love and resources on Golden Platters in the last 3 weeks. It is a wonderful time for recovery and healing to be the the next stages in peoples lives. Again Michael, Thank You MM

Hello Mary, You're welcome. I am glad to hear that Gabor Mate has helped you. He's an incredible human being. That is the beauty to the trauma arena - there are all kinds of incredible people, organizations and resources to help folks heal - Just what is shared at PACES is amazing. Too many are still in the dark as to what is out there..or they cannot afford to get the appropriate trauma care. Take care, Michael