Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Client Trauma

Description: As mental health practitioners, we all have a role to play in promoting positive childhood experiences and resilience in our clients. This presentation will support you work with your clients more effectively by understanding the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Toxic stress is a result of chronic activation of a physiologic response to stressors when there is no buffering protection or support. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) affect psychological functioning based on early learning of coping strategies. The ACE studies and subsequent related research have been groundbreaking and have quantified the physiological effects of stress and suffering. The impact of toxic stress on child development, brain responses to stress, and individual and family functioning results in maladaptive psychological and physical functioning. Resilience is the ability to thrive, adapt and cope despite tough and stressful times and is a natural counter-balance to ACEs. The more resilient children and adults can become, the more likely they are able to manage negative situations in healthy and adaptive ways that won’t result in prolonged and unfavorable outcomes. As mental health practitioners, we all have a role to play in promoting the resilience of our clients. Learn how to do so more effectively in this presentation.

CE Broker Tracking #: 20-862047

This is an event sponsored by FMHCA. This course is approved by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling, LMHC, LMFT, LCSW – FMHCA CE Broker #: 50-748

Learning Objectives:

1. Attendees will learn how Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) affect child development and adult functioning, and the scientific research behind the findings.

2. Attendees will learn how to assess for ACEs.

3. Attendees will learn how to work with clients to foster the resilience that can mitigate the impact of ACEs resulting in better mental health outcomes.

4. Attendees will learn how mental health professionals can support current efforts in Florida to create a resilient community.

About the Presenter:

Alicia M. Homrich is a Licensed Psychologist, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and National Certified Counselor. She has specialized in family strengths and resiliency throughout her professional career. She is a professor emeritus of counseling at Rollins College where she taught human development, family and relationship therapy, and clinical skills in the Graduate Studies in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program for 22 years. She has been recognized locally and nationally for her service contributions to the fields of group work, family and relationship therapy as well as ethics and professional standards. Dr. Homrich has co-edited a book published by The American Counseling Association on best practices in gatekeeping for clinical mental health professionals.