Brenda, a 16-year-old high school student at Birmingham Community High School, has faced more challenges in her young life than many can imagine. As the daughter of a Mexican mother and a Guatemalan father, Brenda’s cultural background is rich, but her personal journey has been marked by significant loss and upheaval.
After the tragic passing of her father and her mother’s struggles with substance abuse, Brenda was placed under the care of her aunt in Los Angeles. This move came after a difficult period where Brenda, forced to care for younger relatives, experienced feelings of isolation and overwhelming responsibility. Now, living with her aunt and two older siblings, Brenda found herself struggling with unresolved grief and a wave of deep-seated anger, particularly towards her mother for not allowing her to maintain a relationship with her late father.
Brenda’s aunt noticed troubling behaviors—leaving home without permission, associating with the wrong crowd, and smoking e-cigarettes. Concerned, she sought help and referred Brenda to mental health services on October 16, 2023. This is when Brenda’s path crossed with Nycole, a dedicated mental health clinician and student intern from California Baptist University.
Nycole’s Approach to Therapy
Nycole recognized Brenda’s resistance to treatment and her struggle to open up due to her anger. Determined to help, Nycole provided weekly individual therapy sessions and occasional family sessions, employing a range of therapeutic techniques to support Brenda in her healing journey.
Processing Grief and Loss:
Nycole guided Brenda through the painful process of grieving her father’s death and helped her confront the sorrow of missed opportunities to bond with him. Nycole also addressed Brenda’s feelings of abandonment and the trauma associated with being removed from her mother’s care.
Expressing Emotions:
To help Brenda express her buried emotions, Nycole encouraged her to write letters to both her mother and father. These letters allowed Brenda to articulate her thoughts and feelings about her losses and the complex emotions surrounding her family dynamics.
Managing Anger:
Nycole introduced Brenda to sensory grounding techniques, which helped her manage her anger more effectively. By focusing on present sensations and experiences, Brenda learned to stay grounded and reduce her emotional volatility.
Building Happiness:
Engaging in activities designed to foster happiness and well-being, Nycole worked with Brenda on building a sense of joy and positivity in her life, despite her challenging circumstances.
A Transformation in Treatment:
At the outset, Brenda was defiant and withdrawn. However, Nycole’s unwavering commitment and tailored interventions began to break through Brenda’s defenses. Midway through the treatment, Brenda started to open up, sharing her sadness and anger about her current situation.
Improved Communication:
Brenda began to communicate more openly with her aunt, expressing her needs and feelings. This shift significantly improved their relationship and Brenda’s overall well-being.
Healthy Relationships:
Brenda learned to form healthier relationships with her peers at school. She also started to reconcile with her mother, speaking with her weekly and discussing personal aspects of her life, including her relationship with her boyfriend.
Honoring Her Father:
Brenda found a way to honor her father’s memory and cherish the time they had together. She reconnected with her paternal grandmother, with whom she speaks monthly. Recently, Brenda celebrated her father’s birthday by lighting a candle and praying with her grandmother, creating a meaningful ritual to keep his memory alive.
A New Chapter
Brenda’s journey with Nycole has been one of profound growth and healing. Through consistent support and tailored interventions, Brenda has transformed from a defiant and withdrawn teenager into a young woman capable of managing her emotions, communicating effectively, and building meaningful relationships.
As Brenda continues to navigate her path, she carries with her the resilience and strength she has developed through her therapy. Her story is a powerful testament to the impact of compassionate and persistent mental health support, and a reminder that even in the face of deep pain, there is hope for healing and growth.
Nycole and the team at El Centro de Amistad remain committed to supporting Brenda and other clients on their journeys toward mental health and well-being.
