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Child’s Story
The THUMP was loud and came from the kitchen. 10 year old Raymond heard his mother’s angry voice. Then he heard his older sister cry out. When he got to the kitchen door, Raymond saw his Momma standing over his sister with a heavy pan, beating her on the head. His sister crumpled to the floor, begging Momma to stop. Instead, Momma grabbed the broom and began viciously pounding on his sister’s arms and legs. She kicked her repeatedly, sometimes in the head. Raymond froze with fear until he saw Momma lift a chair and begin beating his sister with it. Raymond ran to the phone and dialed 911. Emergency workers took his sister to the hospital and police took Momma to jail.
While in foster care, Raymond developed symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. He worried all the time and had problems focusing, even in school. He was continually nervous and tense and couldn’t sleep through the night. Images of his sister’s beating filled his mind. Because of his anxiety, he would have sudden bouts of rage, throw or break things, or hurt himself. He scratched his face, hit himself, and even thought about killing himself.
Fortunately, Raymond was referred to Counseling4Kids’ Trauma Treatment Program. A therapist specializing in trauma therapy helped Raymond begin the process of healing. He learned coping skills to improve his ability to manage overwhelming feelings and self-destructive thoughts without hurting himself.
With his therapist’s guidance, Raymond created a story of what he had experienced and how it had changed him. Telling someone else about what happened made him feel less nervous and tense. The final step in Raymond’s treatment was to share his story with his father, brothers, and sister. Sharing with his family their memories of that day deepened Raymond’s own healing.
Six months after he began therapy, Raymond said goodbye to his C4K therapist. He was sleeping through the night and no longer wanted to hurt himself. As a result of receiving special trauma treatment, Raymond has the strength and ability to cope effectively with new challenges.
Raymond’s sister fully recovered and also received specialized trauma therapy. She was placed with another foster family. She and Raymond visit frequently.
*Children’s names have been changed to protect their privacy.
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