Here comes 10-year-old Ethel, bouncing, smiling, eager to tell her counselor of the most recent success at school. It’s hard to believe that 2 months ago this same child sat in Kay’s office, arms folded, looking bored, and answering questions with one or two word responses.

Mother had concerns about Ethel and described her as making D’s or F’s in every single subject at school, not completing assignments and being disruptive in the classroom. She was not involved in any outside activities. Kay’s challenge at the outset was to find what motivated or encouraged Ethel, a Youngster who couldn’t describe any interests, goals or desires, not even how she might spend 1 million dollars.

Over the next several sessions Kay was able to help Ethel see the long term consequences of her present actions, assisted mother in setting up and maintaining a behavior modification plan with a generous system of rewards to encourage and reward positive efforts. Ethel very quickly became empowered to make positive things happen for herself. She raised her grades to A’s and B’s in just 5 weeks and joined a volleyball team.

Counselors at Youth and Family Services work every day to help children and families find their strengths which in turn empowers them to do great things.

*Names have been changed to protect confidentiality and privacy. 

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