If you’re someone who is browsing therapy and therapists in hopes of reconciling some of your most difficult childhood experiences- and wondering how they may be impacting you now- you could benefit from a short questionnaire that can be a clue to your current picture of health.

I can’t remember if it was in 2016 or 2017, but at some point when I was working at 1440 Multiversity as a program manager I got to meet and attend a workshop hosted by Nadine Burke Harris (who eventually became California’s first surgeon general!) and was absolutely impressed and inspired by her dedication to connecting adverse childhood experiences and the toxic stress that accompanies them, with health outcomes later in life.

Dr. Burke Harris has a powerful, informative TedTalk you can watch and learn from for free.

She’s also written a book, The Deepest Well: Healing the Long-Term Effects of Childhood Adversity.

Part of what Dr. Burke Harris has done, in conjunction with various health organizations, has not only shed light on the impact of adverse childhood experiences on later health outcomes, but created ways to easily screen for these ACEs, and therefore improve lives.

ACEs Aware is an initiative led by the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), which brings resources into medical, community, and public sectors to increase access and support. And one of those resources is the free ACEs questionnaire. If you end up taking the inventory, it is a great tool to bring to your therapist as a resource for your treatment.

The ACEs inventory consists of 10 yes or no questions about difficult experiences you may have had as a child. For example, the first question is, “Did you feel that you didn’t have enough to eat, had to wear dirty clothes, or had no one to protect or take care of you?”

Keep in mind, more than 60% of Californians have experienced at least one ACE, and 16.7% have experienced four or more. You are not alone. And your ACEs score is not a diagnosis. It is a tool to inform you about your risk factors and to help you chart a pathway forward.

Photo by Johnny McClung on Unsplash

Before you take this inventory, please make sure you are in a quiet, private place. And don’t be suprised if difficult feelings, memories or thoughts arise as you make your way through the 10 questions. If possible, set aside some time after to reflect, decompress, and process what you felt, thought & remembered. And then bring this with you into your next therapy appointment, for the support you both deserve and need.

CLICK HERE: ACEs Aware: Adverse Childhood Experience Questionnaire for Adults PDF

Leanna Immel, LMFT, blends somatic and relationally-oriented therapies into her practice. Welcoming adults, teens and couples of all identities who are ready and eager to break cycles and start their therapeutic journey.  If you’re ready to dive into the choppy waters of therapy, and find some relief, reach out today.