ACEs is an acronym for Adverse Childhood Experiences. It is a questionnaire that reviews ten different categories of experiences that may have happened to you in childhood that are negatively affecting you today. You answer each question with simple "yes" or "no" to indicate whether you experienced that type of adversity as a child. Research has shown that the more "yes" answers you have, the more likely you are to have negative outcomes in adulthood. These outcomes could include:
Chronic physical health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and obesity;
Mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and post traumatic stress disorder;
Behavioral issues, such as aggression, violence and difficulty forming healthy relationships;
Struggling in school and difficulty maintaining stable employment;
Socioeconomic struggles that lead to isolation and poverty.
It is important to note that an ACE score doesn't predict a specific outcome for an individual, but can offer insight into the risk factors they may have in adulthood.
The good news is that we can work together to mitigate those risks by addressing these adverse experiences in the arena with Gestalt and your equine coach. You don't have to continue to carry the baggage of your childhood.
For more information on the ACEs questionnaire, visit https://www.acesaware.org/ .
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