Ten-year-old Janie* was referred to Morrison Child and Family Services by the Department of Human Services (DHS) because of a history of severe childhood abuse. Neglected by her mother and repeatedly molested by her stepfather, Janie was removed from their care when she was four, and bounced from foster home to foster home for the next six years.

When she started therapy through Morrison's Outpatient program, Janie struggled with low self-esteem and depression on a daily basis. Due to the abuse and neglect she had suffered, she had a limited vocabulary, and therefore had trouble expressing her feelings and describing her experiences to her therapists.

Because it was so difficult for Janie to communicate with words, she participated in play therapy. Here she created a "self-box;" an art project which represents her self-image, outside and in. The outside of the box characterized how Janie presented herself to the outside world, while the inside represented how she felt about herself. As children progress through treatment, their emotional changes and growth are reflected in the olution of the self-box.

At first, Janie's box was empty, plain, and colored all in black. She had a great deal of hurt to come to terms with and much healing to do. But over time, as she gained confidence and incorporated more strengths and positive qualities into her life and self-image, her box changed - becoming brighter and more vibrant. Eventually, the outside of her box was full of color and covered with jewels and sequins.

Janie has made incredible strides, but there is still more work to be done. The inside of Janie's box remains mostly plain and dark. Now, though, the empty space is surrounded by light, colors, and hope. It is a building ground upon which Janie, with nurturing support from people who care for her, can start finding the strength to heal.

More about the Outpatient program that helped Janie
Other Success Stories

*Names and certain events have been changed to maintain confidentiality and to protect the children and families we serve