Developing Resilience: Overcoming Adverse Childhood Experiences

After I posted the story on the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study, I realized I had painted a pretty bleak picture for those who suffered childhood trauma. It would seem that a high ACE score virtually guarantees some type of physical, behavioral and/or psychological problems as an adult. Of course that isn’t the case. Some people seem to have the resilience to overcome nearly any challenge.

For those that aren’t as resilient, we can help develop and foster the skills needed to overcome the residual effects of trauma. For those that suffered from developmental problems, we obviously can’t recapture the past; however, there is always room for growth and improvement in overall functioning.

In a book titled Succeeding When You’re Supposed to Fail, Rom Brafman studied a group of people who experienced significant problems as children and yet achieved high levels of success as adults. The book describes what he called the “six enduring principles of high achievement”, which are:

• The limelight effect – better known in the counseling profession as a high internal locus of control
• Meaning making – an existential concept that would make Frankel proud
• Unwavering commitment – believe in a calling and stick with it.
• Temperament – even-tempered with a mild disposition
• Humor – an ability to appreciate and use humor to counteract adversity
• Satellite – have at least one person in their life, even if only for a while, who believes in them, encourages them or invests in them

Looking at these six principles, it’s not too difficult to see how any number of counseling approaches could foster these qualities in those who don’t naturally posses them.

Developing a healthy locus of control is sometimes a challenge when working with victims of trauma. Quite often, victims inappropriately blame themselves and/or sometimes lose faith in their own judgement and abilities.  Helping remove the guilt while instilling confidence in their own abilities is a delicate balance required for recovery.

Existentialists have long taught that the search for meaning is an integral part of human existence. Writers including Victor Frankel and Rick Warren understand the importance of meaning and purpose in life.

Unwavering commitment, an even temperament, and an affinity for humor are probably more a part of one’s personality than a learned trait. Regardless, each of us can learn to improve in these areas and can help our clients to do the same.

The area where counselors can have the biggest impact is by becoming what Brafman calls a satellite. We know the therapeutic relationship is one of the most important factors in facilitating change. I believe one of the keys to mental health is having quality relationships with responsible people. For many, the relationship with the counselor is one of the first such relationships in many years. I’ve previously discussed my thoughts on being able to provide that relationship in a series of posts titled Counselor, Health Thyself.

I’d also recommend you take our short survey to determine you ACE score. Be sure to print your answers when finished to calculate your score. Also, don’t forget to like us on Facebook and subscribe to this blog in the box below for regular updates.