Validation and Healing: Daya’s Story
When Daya learned that her two children had been abused by their father and another family member, she immediately sought help.
“I had trouble finding a place to treat both of my kids,” Daya said. “Our situation was complicated, and we needed help on multiple levels.”
A community resource directed Daya to Wheeler, and she and her children entered Wheeler’s Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) program. TF-CBT is a clinic-based, individual, short-term, evidence-based treatment program for children and adolescents, ages 4 to 18, who have behavioral or emotional problems related to traumatic life events. The program is offered through a combination of individual and family treatment for post-traumatic stress symptoms, depression, anxiety, sexualized behaviors; trauma-related shame and mistrust.
“The Wheeler team took us in right away,” said Daya. “Clinicians encouraged my children to talk about and process their feelings so that they could start the path to healing from their trauma.”
Daya says the changes in her children since coming to Wheeler are palpable. For the first time (in many years) she truly enjoys motherhood. “Because of Wheeler, my children feel validated. My daughter has learned to trust again. My son has learned to see and understand his own problems. As a family, we are communicating openly and honestly.
“Our TF-CBT therapist has become a member of our family,” said Daya. “Wheeler gives hope. No matter what happens, they taught us to view negative situations more positively. We’re stronger and better as a family.”
Wheeler needs your help creating healthier and hopeful tomorrows for the individuals and families in our care.
