06/22/2026
The age at which we legally define someone as an adult is largely arbitrary. There is no magic line we cross at 18 that suddenly extinguishes our need for connection, emotional support, belonging, and family. Those needs remain with us throughout our lives. For example, my Mother died when I was in my 20s, and I can tell you from personal experience that I still need my Mom some, if not most, days.
This month in the Childhood Trauma Newsletter™, which will be released next week, we’re exploring Positive Adult Experiences (PAEs) and the growing body of research showing that supportive relationships, belonging, feeling valued, and having opportunities to find meaning can help buffer the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) throughout adulthood.
Yes, I normally focus specifically on childhood trauma, but I don't think we can talk about childhood without talking about how it effects adulthood. The two are forever linked.
I am also so excited to share with you the hopeful news about PAEs, and how reducing barriers and increasing access to positive experiences in adulthood can ALSO lead to a reduction in ACEs for the next generation of children.
If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s “too late” to heal, this month’s newsletter is for you.
Shout out to my friend and colleague, Carey Sipp, for introducing me to the research on PAEs and Sandra Fewell for encouraging me to write about it.
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We would love to welcome you into our community of 80,000+ mental health professionals and caregivers learning how to improve children's mental health and heal childhood trauma. I hope to see your name on my list.
