Pat's Story

One child ... one heart ... touched and mended.

At age seven, Pat, confused, depressed and anorexic was referred to Nana’s Children. She had been the sole witness to her mother’s suicide and had been left alone with the body for two days. Her estranged father had returned to remove her from foster care. Confusing the child even more, the father changed her name from Pat to Sandi, as Pat had also been her mother’s name.

When play therapy first started, Sandi, didn’t know how to describe in words what she felt or why. Children her age find it very difficult to verbalize their feelings of fear, anger, despair and grief. Sandi only knew that she was unhappy and wanted her life to be different. During play therapy sessions the therapist identified Sandi’s physical and emotional issues. Because of the complexity of her case, Sandi was referred to the school pediatrician for a complete physical evaluation. Working together, Nana’s Children and the medical clinic pediatrician developed a plan to provide a combination of antidepressants and food supplements administered twice daily.

Play therapy sessions continued and within two weeks, a remarkable change took place. When her teacher addressed her as “Sandi” she answered, “My name is Pat”.Several years of therapy continued. Today, Pat is no longer receiving therapy, has graduated from high school and is now attending community college.

Note: Names and some details have been changed to protect “Pat’s” identity and ensure her privacy.