Sonny’s Story: Challenges

by Toriann Clarke, MA, LPC, NCC

Please note: This is not an actual child case. “Sonny” has been created as a characterization of a child client for the purpose of explaining family therapy dynamics. This is the fourth article of the series Sonny’s Story.

Things with Sonny were going really well. His parents were dropping him off to weekly sessions and it felt like the more that he worked in counseling the more he shared about his everyday experiences and challenges. After a while, the clinician noticed all of the really good progress that Sonny made appeared to come to a halt. He showed up to sessions sharing about his everyday experiences, but wasn’t willing to go as in depth as he used to. The clinician had to figure out a way to address it while still encouraging Sonny’s progress in therapy.

The clinician began sharing with Sonny that things seemed different the past couple of weeks. She asked him if anything felt different for him. He immediately denied this, and said that he thought things had been going really well. The clinician was initially taken aback, hoping Sonny would’ve shared what was going on. The clinician decided to make a direct statement that she noticed a difference in Sonny. She told Sonny that he hasn’t been as willing to share recently compared to the start of counseling. At that very moment, Sonny broke down and began to cry.
He shared that he’s been very concerned the past few weeks because his parents have been talking about moving. All of this comes on the heels of Sonny having made such great progress at school and building relationships in the community.

Sonny initially struggled at the beginning of counseling to find his core friend group. He started talking to a boy named Rick. He and Rick eventually added a few other kids to the friend group to play with their Pokémon cards at the lunch table. Sonny also loved playing baseball, and he enjoyed being a part of a team. The talks that his parents were having scared Sonny, so much so that he avoided talking about it for fear that it would become even more real. He felt it threatened all that he had worked for and all of these amazing relationships that have been fulfilling for him.

Unfortunately, Sonny’s parents decided to move. Luckily for Sonny the move was only three blocks away. He was able to keep his friends and baseball team and school. All of his progress was not lost. When Sonny was able to share with his clinician what was happening he began to feel at ease over the process. They discussed some pros and cons of moving into a new space. It appeared that Sonny was interested in having a larger backyard and living closer to the school. The cons for Sonny were pretty obvious; he didn’t want to lose his friends and all of the amazing community that he had built. Sonny’s parents eventually sat with him and discussed their decision to move.

As the transition unfolded, Sonny was better able to manage all of the unexpected changes, progressions, and chaos that ensued with the move. Since Sonny was willing to share the fears he had with his parents about moving, he felt empowered to communicate with his parents his feelings about the move. Sonny was able to come to session every week and share the changes that took place whether their family lost a bid on a house or the movers did not show
up on time. Sonny was able to make progress even during the challenging moments and his life.

Equilibria is a group of licensed mental health professionals in Pennsylvania and New Jersey with multiple specialties to serve all aspects of our diverse community’s mental, emotional, and behavioral needs. We provide in person and telehealth services to individuals of all ages, families, and those in relationships. Click here to schedule an appointment today.