admin posted on July 26, 2011 14:43
One of our Functional Family Therapy clinicians was approached several months ago by a family who knew they worked for Quakerdale. Their family was in crisis. It had just been discovered the young adolescent daughter had been involved in several risky behaviors. The family has strong religious connections, so although these behaviors were risky physically, there was also concern about the spiritual risks for their daughter. To make matters worse, these behaviors were circulating the school. The family had been unaware of these activities until the principal requested a meeting.
In the mother's own words, "I was stunned. I did not handle this well. My daughter thinks I hate her and I don't know what to do. She is leaving in six weeks to spend the summer with her father in another state. Can you help us?"
We were willing to provide FFT for this family, and provided sessions twice weekly in order to ensure the family could complete the program before the daughter left Iowa for the summer. In the last year, this mother, a single parent, had to quit her job due to a bone condition, and is very financially strained. In the spirit of our Promise Academy we offered pro bono services to this family. We felt this was in meeting with our vision, To Serve As Christ Serves.
When this family began FFT, they were unable to look at each other, expressed disgust for one another, communicated through explosive arguments, and were isolated. Through tenuous sessions and relentless discussions about their relationships and how they function, the family made significant progress in a short six weeks.
At time of completion, they openly expressed love for one another with both words and physical expressions.
They had discovered ways to nourish their relationship through mutual activities, discussion, and helpfulness toward one another. They were able to openly discuss their differing opinions without escalating into personal insults or arguments.
They still have some strong disagreements as most teenagers and parents have, but they are able to manage them effectively and understand one another more clearly. When the daughter returns at the end of summer, the family has asked to have a booster session.
This family is grateful for Quakerdale's intervention in the midst of a crisis, and believes it is the only thing that 'saved' their family. They believe if they had not had Functional Family Therapy, the daughter would have run away or ended up in an unhealthy environment.
About Functional Family Therapy
Family Functional Therapy is a successful intervention program offered by Quakerdale. This program works with youth ages 10-18 and their parents to bring the family together. If you or someone you know needs support please contact Quakerdale’s Marshalltown Office at 641-752-3912. We are committed to staying true to our mission:
“Encouraging hope, faith and growth in the families and communities we serve”