Why we need to know about ACEs and create BCEs

You’ve probably heard about ACEs…

You’ve probably heard about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). These are potentially traumatic events that occur during childhood, like abuse, neglect, or growing up in a household impacted by violence, mental illness, or substance use.

ACEs are important to understand. We may end up with chronic stress that disrupts healthy brain development, alters the body’s stress response, and increases the risk of chronic illness, mental health challenges, and substance use later in life. 

I’ve spent a large part of my career working alongside young people who have experienced far too many ACEs. I’ve listened to their stories, tried to understand how these experiences shape their behaviours, emotions, and nervous systems, and considered what they might need from me to feel safe, seen and supported. I’ve spent more recent parts of my career supporting other professionals and carers to do the same.

If you work with people impacted by trauma or are trauma-aware, you’ve likely spent a fair amount of time thinking about ACEs, too.

I’ll be honest, I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on the adversity in my own life, the things that felt unsafe or that were missing when they should have been there. These experiences left their mark and shaped how I navigate the world today. There’s been a sense of healing in acknowledging them.

But instead of solely focusing on “undoing” traumatic experiences, we could also place our attention on benevolent experiences, the positive and protective things that did happen.

What went right?

I was revisiting my notes from the Oxford Masters Trauma and Mental Health Conference and was reminded of the power in asking not just what went wrong, but also what went right.

Last year, I had the privilege of learning from Gabor Maté for an entire day. I’ve read so much of his work, listened to his podcast interviews and watched documentaries. I know a lot about his life adversity. But what was interesting when I heard him speak last year was his newfound gratitude for the benevolent experiences that happened in his early childhood.

He shared how he had been bitter about his traumatic childhood (being a Jew born in Hungary during the Holocaust), often asking, “Why me?”

More recently, he’s moved away from the bitterness and now celebrates the kindness and courage it took to save his life. He shared new anecdotes about doctors sneaking into the ghetto to treat him as an unwell infant, a Christian woman taking him in, and a 10-year-old cousin taking on a lot of his care.

These acts not only saved his life, but they also shaped his life.

Let’s talk about BCEs

Benevolent Childhood Experiences (BCEs) are positive early life experiences that are theorised to serve as a buffering impact against ACEs.

BCEs might look like a safe caregiver, enjoyment in school, being truly listened to, having a teacher who cared, predictable routines, feeling comforted by your beliefs, liking yourself, or being able to turn to someone outside the home for support.

And when I shift my own attention to the BCEs in my life, I’m reminded of the unconditional love, the fun, the good friends and the belief I was given about my own future.

Early research suggests that BCEs lower psychological distress and mitigate the effects of ACEs. These experiences don’t cancel out trauma. But they do matter, and they do shape us, too.

When we start to pay attention to them in ourselves, in the people we care for, in the children and young people we work with, we start to notice that the story isn’t just what hurt, it’s also about what helped. And while it may have taken Gabor until his 80s to shift that lens, I’m pretty sure we can start a little sooner.

So, what can we do?

Instead of just focusing on “undoing” traumatic experiences, we can put our energy towards creating positive childhood experiences.  If you’re an adult supporting children and young people in any capacity, think about the incredible influence you could have in their lives.

How many BCEs could you directly influence, or create alongside them?

Play.

Laugh.

Have fun.

Listen.

Be the person they can turn to.

It’s not just about the heavy lifting. It’s about what feels light, too.

That’s what builds a story that’s more than just what went wrong. It helps give young people a belief in their positive future.

Upskill and enhance your practice with Wagtail Institute

When workplaces are truly trauma-informed, we see good outcomes for their entire communities. So before slapping the terms on our taglines, let’s ensure we’re integrating this approach responsibly and effectively.

Creating a trauma-informed workplace where staff feel safe, supported, and competent requires a multi-faceted approach, a new perspective and way of being with each other. It’s not just a bunch of catchy words.

We work alongside leaders, teachers, social workers, and a variety of practitioners to respond to wellbeing challenges, enhance trauma-informed practice, and navigate pathways to healing.

If you are curious about what this could look like in your setting, schedule a free consult call with Megan.