Periodic Zen, I haven't read this book but have stumbled across information on ACEs in my search for deeper healing. What you bring up I believe is highly relevant stuff.
The Adverse Childhood Events info. led me to explore Attachment Theory, on which there are several books written. One very eye-opening book is by Amir Levine called Attached.
Seems there's been a (somewhat silent) push for ACEs to be part of every doctor and counselor/therapist intake assessment. I agree.
What you said echoes what I had found, that several studies (many done in the 90s) show extremely compelling evidence that correlate ACEs with all kinds of major diseases and even early death! The studies also showed that at least 60% of the U.S. population suffers from ACEs. This is BIG.
In some earlier searches, I came across healing modalities that are body-centered. Found out that early traumatic stress gets stored in the body's tissues. Apparently our childhood brains (before age 7, some say before age 12) are not yet fully wired and can't consciously process early trauma and can't store it as explicit memories. So the trauma gets pushed down, hidden away in the subconscious mind (and not accessible by regular means). Meanwhile all the stress chemicals are stored in the body's tissues and wreak havoc on the entire system.
Plus we have lost a lot of our natural ability to release stress. Animals in the wild often shake or jump around after a traumatic event. This "dumps" the excess stress chemicals and recalibrates the body. That's probably why walking, "shaking it off" or any kind of rhythmic motion helps so much after a stressful event.
I believe it's also why regular talk therapy can't fully address what needs to be healed. Everything is so hidden away in the subconscious, and talk therapy typically deals with higher order brain functioning, not the primitive subconscious that has no language, no logic and no sense of time as we know it. It really seems there needs to be a combination of modalities for true healing to take place.
Agree that ACEs negatively impact relationships since they are highly relevant to FOO issues. And symptoms of "Attachment Disorders" are so clearly mirrored in classic relationship issues such as codependency and narcissism.
I believe what you're bringing to light digs at the very roots of such a big problem that affects SO MANY people. Most of us aren't even aware of it!
I've never had a doctor or therapist ask about ACEs, but I've noticed there are some schools now offering "Trauma Informed Care" certificates and programs for health practitioners. So I'm really hopeful all of this will become mainstream and health professionals recognize how pervasive this is. The sooner the better.
Please excuse the long-winded reply! I get worked up about this subject. I think this stuff can lead the way to better understanding and deeper healing. I'm definitely going to take a look at the Burke-Harris book, thanks!!!
