Chris
Anger turns into hope and healing for a boy and his parents.
Chris is a 13 year-old male who was adjudicated for a fourth degree sexual assault of a child subsequent to exposing himself to a six year-old who attended his mother’s home daycare program. Shock and disbelief elicited intense anger, yet supportive parents launched a defense for their son, however a verdict of guilty ensued. Chris was required to move out of the family’s home and enroll in the Step 5 program.
Chris entered Step 5 with frustration, frowns, and anxiety. During the course of his therapy he remained angry, defensive and more importantly, in denial. His denial was deep rooted. Chris could not allow his parents to hear the truth, especially after their adamant defense. Ultimately, Chris failed the program.
Chris’s parents were angry and made numerous phone calls to his Step 5 therapist. Chris restarted the program and his therapist was relentless to reach him. Numerous discussions with Chris’s parents aided in their ability to hear the truth and to accept that they could still love their son in spite of what had happened. A breakthrough was made. Defenses were down, hard work began, open and honest discussion took place, a sense of understanding and internalization brought a change in Chris’s attitude.
Chris and his mom completed the Parent Relapse Prevention group following the completion of his second 20 week group therapy program. Chris succeeded in meeting the criteria for completion of the Step 5 program. He left with increasing hope in his ability to be of sound character by developing healthier interactions. More importantly, Chris was less symptomatic of anxiety, guilt and fear was replaced with acceptance, remorse, and empathy. Chris was able to smile, and his mom expressed appreciation and welcomed her son home with a rekindled hope for their family.