Jessica is ten years old and had problems with extreme outbursts several times a day including arguing, yelling, slamming doors, throwing objects and fits of rage.  Her teacher referred Jessica and her mother to Five Acres. Her treatment at Five Acres included art therapy, cognitive therapy, and family therapy interventions to help Jessica reduce her angry outbursts. 

Five Acres learned that Jessica’s mother and father had a history of drug abuse and had separated three years earlier. Her parents have since changed their behaviors and are trying to be good parents. The counselor recognized that because Jessica had started to feel safe in her environment, she felt free to unleash her anger and fears.

Jessica responded very well to treatment and within six months was able to completely resolve her angry outbursts.  Jessica has learned to draw connections between her feelings and thoughts with her behavior and learned to soothe herself to prevent an anger outburst.  She improved her academic performance and developed meaningful friendships with peers. The counselor spent the last two months of Jessica’s treatment assisting Jessica and her mother with learning to maintain Jessica's progress.