January 2016


Witnessing Abuse: Amber's Story           
   
Amber is only 5 years old, but she's already suffered a lifetime of pain and trauma.  Her mother was using drugs and in an on-again, off-again relationship with a man who was also drug addicted and had a hair-trigger temper. Amber was spared the abuse, but she often witnessed her mom being screamed at, hit and threatened by the boyfriend.

Fortunately, Amber's compassionate Aunt Michelle stepped in to take care of her. Michelle was appointed her guardian and after just a few weeks Amber was starting to feel more secure. However, Michelle noticed that she was still having problems adjusting and feeling safe.  Amber would often mention the abuse she witnessed and she had nightmares almost every night.  Michelle knew that Amber needed additional support, so she reached out to Corbett Trauma Center for trauma counseling.

Her therapist used a number of techniques to help Amber work through the trauma she experienced. She used games like "Thinking, Feeling and Doing" and "Be Safe" to help Amber to identify and express many of her feelings, and to help increase her sense of safety. Amber also learned some techniques she could use to soothe herself when she felt anxious. She learned a deep breathing technique and also found that drawing pictures helped her to relax.

Over a number of weeks Amber was able to achieve all the goals her therapist had set for her. At her last session, she said she felt safe and happy, and that she was no longer having nightmares. Michelle reported that her worried thoughts had decreased and that Amber was excited to make new friends as she started the school year.

Your support of the Crisis Center provides a place where children like Amber can recover from abuse, neglect, violent crime and other trauma. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to provide help, hope, and healing to children in our community.