John* grew up in a single parent home and shared he has experienced some trauma throughout his life. He went to college and onto getting his master’s, then he worked in the physical world of sports and training. He is proud of all of the work he has done through his life. He has shared that he knows a lot about physical health, so now he is in the era of finding out more about mental health.
In the midst of starting this self-discovery in therapy, it came to a screeching halt when DCS got involved with his family. His two youngest were removed from his home. He was displaced as well. This crisis was the tipping point for him and his mental health, and this is when I became his case manager.
John was in the throes of being triggered, frustrated, and upset by all of the demands he was given by DCS. He had gone through a big surgery and was in rehab recovering when we began meeting once a week.
I introduced him to the A Window between Worlds curriculum. I had facilitated Claiming Who I Am, and he had drawn around his heart, hands, feet and brain. We talked about his perception of himself, who he used to be and who he is becoming. Later in the day on his own, he added to his portrait and shared it with me. His portrait showed the trauma he has experienced and his inner conflicts.
John is more than a father, partner, provider and coach. Even on his down days, he is determined to be a better person than the day before.
*Name changed to protect confidentiality
