The Power of Resources: Supporting the Whole Person

When I was a young child, I experienced a tragic loss that has shaped my passion for helping children and families. My sister's life was taken way too soon by a violent act. She was with us one morning; by evening, she never returned home after school. Living in a rural area, I remember having limited professional support. The only resource offered to me after the death of my sister was school counseling. I also recall a woman came in for a short period to provide grief support. However, grief, trauma, and shock take time to process.

This experience has influenced the work I do today. As a mental health professional, it is my priority to care for children, knowing that they exist within a broader system that affects them in many ways. Behavioral health is another way of defining how our mental and emotional selves handle stress, anxiety, depression, and other challenges that come about in life.

A holistic approach means serving the whole person. It recognizes their emotional needs, support system, how they care for themselves, and the environmental conditions around them. Access to needed resources can make a huge difference in a child's life. While in therapy, it is important for resources to also align with treatment goals to provide meaningful support. Utilizing resources when needed is one of the many ways to take a holistic approach to therapy.

Some wellness resources may include relaxation exercises to manage anxiety, parenting support to help caregivers navigate their child's development, trauma, and/ or financial resources to assist families through life transitions. At Marryland Therapy and Consultation, we work toward exploring available resources that can be accessible tools for every client who comes through our doors. When resources are available and utilized, they can help individuals better cope and build their resilience.

My past has shaped my passion for advocating for children and the support they need. No child or family should have to navigate trauma alone or, in my childhood experience, with minimal professional resources. At Marryland Therapy and Consultation, we create a safe space for all clients to find the right path, even if it means accessing outside resources to heal their hearts and minds. If you need resources and are uncertain where to start, contact us to gain access to our client library of resources.

LeCole Barnes