TRACI’S STORY
“My decision to start therapy came from indecision. I have a really hard time deciding what’s right and wrong for the kids, what’s going to benefit them, and what Mike and I can survive. I have a lot of negative self-talk in my head. I don’t want it for myself, and I don’t want to pass it down to my kids, so Maryann, my therapist, is teaching me some techniques I can use that will help me become a better parent. This includes coping skills such as deep breathing or walking away.
“Now, I deal with a lot of things better than I used to, which is great, because as the kids grow, new challenges arise. I’m learning that it is OK to fail, and that I will not ruin my kids when I do fail.
“Kate was 3.5 years old when we got her. She deeply loves her birth parents, and it was horrible when she moved in with us. She was so miserable – understandably. Kate also has been navigating some significant medical challenges that she is aware of and quite self-conscious of. So, she has lots of heartbreak and medical issues. But Alex, her therapist, has been wonderful with helping her focus on positive things – and she’s a good sounding board.
“Since she has been going to her, Kate is able to talk to me about certain things that she wouldn’t have been able to on her own. I’ve been impressed with her ability to say to us, ‘You’re not hearing me.’ She is very good at articulating her feelings.
“Therapy has shown her that she is very competent. She is more organized than I am, which is a little depressing for me. Kate is very ambitious. She prepares for situations a lot better than I do. She knows that she is strong – both physically and emotionally.
I’m a member of a foster and adoptive moms’ group at my church, and I recommend St. Joe’s regularly when we’re talking about therapy, because it has been life-changing for our family. We are super grateful.”
St. Joe’s is life-changing for families, and we can help them navigate the complexities of parenting. Confidentially connect with our therapy team.
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