By Del Dickson
Almost thirty years ago, a major study was released that showed experiencing adverse childhood experiences – i.e. “ACEs” – was causally connected to significant physical and mental health challenges in adulthood. Since this study came out, mental health professionals have focused on how to help people avoid such consequences. As one may expect, one obvious way to do so is by helping children avoid experiencing ACEs in the first place.
As may be less obvious, though, research has also shown that another way to mitigate the harm caused by ACEs is to bring experiences of joy into children’s lives. For example, if a child has at least one good friend, enjoys their school, has loving neighbors, has at least one adult who they know cares about them and they can trust, or is involved in extracurricular activities that bring them joy, these experiences are truly healing even after experiencing ACES.
At Unified Family Therapy, understanding the connection between joyful experiences and healing from childhood trauma is core to our work with the clients we serve. It also is why we regularly collaborate with clients on identifying how to build community bonds that help bring them bring joy into their lives, as well as their children’s lives. This is because, as important as the work completed in a therapy room is, community engagement that helps bring joy is important to healing too – whether it be in a reading group, a climbing club, a recreation sports league, or a church activity. It’s also why we strive to help our clients see that, as important to healing as facing and processing past pains can be, the power of joy is regularly a crucial part of the healing journey too.