FBMH Achievement Story: William

 

 

 

 

 

 

As his mom, Bridget, describes it, when William got angry, he got stuck.

Stuck in the feeling of anger. Stuck in a pattern of behavioral issues at home and at school. Stuck in an inability to have a positive self-image. And the family, too, felt stuck in that they weren’t sure how to help William and their family unit.

After being admitted to Millcreek Community Hospital in May, 2022, he was discharged and a spot opened at another LECOM Behavioral Health entity – the Achievement Center of LECOM Health. William, then 14, was assessed as having compulsions, anxiety, ADHD, level 1 autism, and an unspecified mood disorder. Family Based Mental Health was identified as the course of action for William and his family.

“We had two therapists who were coming to our home and met with both our kids [William and his sister] at school,” Bridget said. “We were working on a lot of communication, a lot of negative self-talk and self-esteem, and then just how we communicate as a family unit.”

One of those therapists who worked with the Nair family was Jared Lorraine, a Family Based Mental Health Worker.

“When I first got to the family and did the initial session, it was ‘Oh, gosh, this is going to be stressful,’” he said. “But they were a great family to work with – in fact, I wish all our families were like theirs.”

 

Working with The Nair Family

For three-to-four times a week over the course of eight months, the Nair Family participated in some form of sessions with the Family Based Mental Health team at ACLH. Sometimes it was everyone in their own separate session. Sometimes it was parents together and William separated. Eventually, toward the end of services, everyone was together in sessions.

“We really started with William by exploring where his aggression came from,” said Jared Lorraine. “And for his parents, it was how they were responding to those aggressions.”

Before working with FBMH, when William would get agitated, someone in the family would raise their voice or match William’s energy, leading to an escalation of angry feelings.

“For us, it was being able to allow my children the chance to find their coping skills and handle their emotions,” said Bridget. “And for us, it was being able to read the room, being able to let some things go. You have to pick your battles and stay calm and give him some space.”

FBMH Worker Jared Lorraine complimented the family on their ability to learn about William’s unique situation.

“The family improved in taking a second, taking a beat, and not feeding into what was going on. They provided more flexibility in giving William space and were consistent in holding him accountable.”

And while William – who Lorraine described as a ‘funny kid who can be personable and kind’ – still gets angry, he’s also better at dealing with his own anger.

“For William, there is more of an openness to hear people out now. He’s engaged more,” Lorraine said.

After eight months of sessions, the Nair family completed their sessions with Family Based Mental Health as an entire family unit that made progress.

“[FBMH] made a huge impact for us,” Bridget said.

The Nair family made a huge impact on Jared Lorraine, too.

“Working with them went from that ‘This could be eight months of stress anxiety’ to ‘I’m sad to see them go, but I’m also glad because that means they’re doing well.’”