Healing from Childhood Trauma with ACE Scores & EMDR Therapy
Episode Overview
Childhood trauma can significantly impact long-term mental and physical health. The ACE study links higher ACE scores to increased risk of various health issues. EMDR therapy can help process and reduce the emotional intensity of traumatic memories. Setting healthy boundaries is crucial for recovery from trauma. Holistic practices like meditation and diet changes can aid in healing.
If you score a certain level on the ACE score...you die 20 years earlier. It wasn't a matter of opinion, it was a matter of a very long-term study.
In this episode of The Brain Warrior's Way Podcast, Dr. Daniel Amen and Tana Amen tackle the profound effects of childhood trauma on long-term mental and physical health. They discuss the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study, which highlights the impact of early trauma on future health outcomes. Tana shares her personal journey, recounting her own traumatic experiences and how she navigated through them using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.
This method, which might sound a bit odd at first, has proven to be incredibly effective for many, including Tana herself. She explains how EMDR helped her process and diminish the emotional intensity of her traumatic memories, ultimately leading to significant personal growth and healing. The episode also touches on how trauma affects brain function, referencing studies conducted at Amen Clinics that show increased brain activity in specific areas related to trauma. Dr.
Amen and Tana delve into practical steps for overcoming trauma, including setting healthy boundaries, understanding the biological impacts of trauma, and engaging in holistic healing practices like meditation and diet changes. They emphasise the importance of recognising and addressing trauma rather than minimising it, offering hope and practical advice for those seeking to heal from their past. This episode is a compelling listen for anyone looking to understand the deep-rooted impacts of childhood trauma and learn effective strategies for recovery.