Walking Beside Children & Families: A Therapist’s Reflection on Hope & Healing
Written by Elizabeth Moreno, Licensed Independent Social Worker
Over the last 10 years, I have had the privilege of walking side by side with hundreds of kiddos and families as they navigate their child’s mental health. Over the years, I have learned the importance of including the family unit in helpful and healthy changes to best support the child in ways that they need. I have seen kids who never thought they would graduate high school, graduate with college degrees. I’ve sat with families that never thought they would be able to eat dinner together as a family without yelling, come together and go on week long vacations. I’ve seen kids that couldn’t imagine what it would be like living another day, continue to live and thrive despite the challenges that they continue to face.
Children, teens and families are so resilient. And the work that families and their children put into their health is unlike any other that I have witnessed. The first step is one of the hardest steps to overcome when targeting children’s mental health. It takes courage and trust in providers. The commitment can be large but know that the weekly appointments will turn into monthly, the constant medication changes will turn into finding the right fit for your child, and the sadness and anger that you are feeling now, is not forever, only temporary when you get the support that your child and your family needs.
Working with kids and families is an honor that is indescribable. If you’ve been a client of mine—thank you—you have changed my life. If you’ve been a family member of mine—thank you for all the trial and error that it takes to find the right course of treatment for your child and for trusting me with the most important piece of your life. It is one of my biggest blessings to serve the children and families that trust me.
