ACE's: Clinical Strategies for Treating the Lasting Effects of Childhood Trauma

Course overview

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and other forms of trauma have profound and lasting effects on mental, emotional, and physical health. This training provides an in-depth examination of the original ACEs study conducted by the CDC and Kaiser Permanente in the 1990s, highlighting the strong, graded relationship between early adversity and outcomes such as depression, substance use, chronic illness, and relational challenges. Participants will learn evidence-based strategies for assessing ACEs and trauma-related histories, including the use of validated tools, trauma-informed interviewing, and culturally responsive practices. The course emphasizes how to integrate ACEs awareness into a variety of therapeutic modalities to strengthen clinical effectiveness. Through case examples, discussion, and practical application, clinicians will develop skills to support individuals impacted by trauma and to implement ACE-informed care across diverse populations.