Two Years of Attachment Therapy...
and still moving forward... one day at a time!
Age 11... Eight Years in our Home
March 2004
Dear TLP,
Yesterday I thought about you because we usually meet on Tuesdays. I hope you had a good week and were able to see the good choices you made. I would love to hear what those were if you decide to e-mail me back. I have had a good week. I was able to make some good choices about taking care of myself. I'm looking forward to using the water massage gift certificate this week as another way to take care of myself. Thank you (and your Mom) for this wonderful treat. I'll let you know how it goes, unless I'm soooooooooo relaxed that I won't want to come out of the watermassage chamber. Maybe I'll just want to stay there forever. Would you bring me meals in case I get hungry? But that would not be a good choice as I have children, and a wife, (and clients) that need me. I choose to be a good Dad, good husband, and good therapist. I hope you choose to be a good son, student, and friend to others. When you first came to see me, I believe you didn't think you could make good choices since most of them were not good choices. Even if you knew what the good choice was, it was just too hard to do. But now you have grown so much, are trusting your Mom and Dad, and more connected to them. This allows you to recognize (because you feel safer inside) that you can now make better choices. That's what I see in you today, and it makes me feel proud to see that change in you . Now, since you are stronger and more capable to make good choices, it also gives you more responsibility. But with Mom and Dad's help, you can doit!!!! Have a good day.
Sincerely,
Mr. Joe (The Attachment Therapist)
Dear Mr. Joe,
Thanks for the note. I really liked it. I am making good choices. I did not mess with my dad while my mom was gone. I got three perfect five days at school this week. I met a new friend at home and his name is Issac and he's ten years old. Yes I will bring you food if you don't want to get out of the massage. I did it one time and it was fun. I liked the water on my back. You should try the chair massage because it's nice. I put $5.00 in it one time and had a long massage. My mom came home today and I missed her. She was gone one week. I would like to be around her again. I was good for my dad but I made some bad choices. I got to help my dad pick out food from the store. I miss you but I'm glad that I don't have to come to see you right now.
Love,
TLP
A Letter to the School Staff (from TLPs Community Mental Health Caseworker)
May, 2004
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing on behalf of TLP. I have been working with TLP and his family since February 2002. This agency provides case management services and respite services for TLP and his family.
TLP is an 11 year old, adopted child, with a history of abuse and neglect in his birth family. He has some serious behavioral and emotional difficulties. He has been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Conduct Disorder, Reactive Attachment Disorder, Mild Mental Retardation, Expressive Language Disorder, Tourette Syndrome, and Epidermal Neves Syndrome. TLP's parents have been providing treatment through a psychiatrist, and a therapist who is very familiar with attachment issues.
When I met TLP, his behaviors had become so out of control that his family was not able to take him on family outings or even a simple trip to the store, safely. He was not able to tolerate a full day of school at that time, either. He was very defiant, oppositional, and aggressive. He often required physical management for his protection and for the safety of others. I am pleased to report that TLP has shown significant progress since he started working with the therapist two years ago. TLP still displays some inappropriate behaviors and he continues to struggle socially, however, he is now able to participate/tolerate family outings and a full day of school, most of the time. He still needs physical intervention at times, both at home and at school.
TLP's parents are very dedicated to helping him continue in the healing process and to improve his social behaviors. TLP's mom, Suzanne, has worked very hard with TLP. She is aware of TLP's needs and knowledgeable about what is best for TLP. She is a great advocate for TLP.
If I can be of any assistance to you, please feel free to call me at 555-####. I am willing to meet with you, help problem solve, etc. Thank you for working with TLP and his family.
Sincerely,
Carol (The Angel)
The Caseworker
