ACEs may inform some or all of the reasons that a client is seeking treatment and can be clinically useful in treatment planning and provision. This article briefly reviews the importance of screening for trauma, how to do so using the ACEs questionnaire, factors to consider when implementing this screening, and how to best use data gathered through the screening. Why do it?: A high proportion of the population has at least one ACE in their history. Client’s entering mental health treatment...

How Much Do You Know About Toxic Stress? What Is Stress? People normally experience stress. Usually they tolerate it, have the coping skills to endure it, and adapt. Usually, no damage results from normal, short-term stress when people have support and coping skills, and some stress can be a good thing. According to researchers and the University of California, Berkeley, the body’s stress response sometimes pushes us to be more alert, perform our best physically and mentally, and adapt...