GRATEFUL AFTER 25 YEARS:

TEENAGE CLIENT SENDS
A 'THANK YOU' NOTE!
Teenage guidance generally ends up as a team process in which one or both parents, or sometimes the whole family become participants. While the therapist analyses the problem situation and initiates the change process, the role of situational factors (like parents' mental health and behavior management history) emerge as critical elements in the solution process. Sometimes therspy is focused on parents and other fsmily members. Therefore parents' coopration is essential for successful teenage guidance.

But sometimes parents' disagree with the therapist, and in some rare cases, parents disapprove the approach or even terminate therapy.

JC's is one such case. As a 9th grade student her behaviour was rather rebellious. Parents were so annoyed by her attitude and defiant, risky behaviour. But they hoped therapist will change her overnight and make her a docile, compliant child.

I took a different approach in this case. Inner transformation and sustained personal growth was what I tried to create in the teenager. Parents got fed up after a few weeks and terminated therapy. They packed her off to a boarding school in Mumbai. But the girl continued to write to me and take ( free) personal help. This continued for a few months. Then her communication stopped.

To my surprise I receive a letter now, after 25 years, telling me how my help was valuable to her and what difference it had made in her. I AM SO PLEASED TO REPORT THIS AND SHARE WITH YOU THE FEELINGS OF GRATITUDE SHE COMMUNICATED TO ME.

It reads:
Hi Dr. George K.,
".... In hindsight and foresight. I have been meaning to write to you for a while but it's been over 25 years that I don't even know if you would remember me....given how many children and people you have truly helped!

I just wanted to thank you from the deepest bottom of my heart for believing in me as a child and in trusting me when I shared my experiences. I often think of how validating talking to you was and what a great impact that had on my life.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. All the very best and God's blessings upon your life."
Signed.....JC

______________________
Dr George Kaliaden. Psychologist.ae

Posted by Dr. George J Kaliaden | Posted on 03 Nov 2021 | 0 Comments | 1682 views | 0 Like