Before we first met Carlie*
Prior to involvement with Unique Care, Carlie was placed in foster care due to childhood trauma and neglect. Carlie spent most of her childhood in the same circle of foster parents and in psychiatric hospitals, leaving Carlie in vulnerable situations.
When Carlie came to Unique Care
Carlie arrived at Unique Care in 2016. Following a period of assessment, it was determined that family breakdown/trauma led to mental health issues such as anxiety, insecurities, not feeling loved, and finding it hard to trust. Carlie was also having problems at school and had no interest in engaging in outdoor activities.
Upon arriving at Unique, Carlie’s mood was low, but she was very pleased to finally be in a therapeutic residential home.
Care for Carlie
Carlie was assigned a key worker on a 1:1 basis. Distraction techniques were introduced to lift Carlie’s mood, and the gradual improvements allowed us to encourage Carlie to engage in school or try outdoor activities. Carlie met with our Art Psychotherapist weekly to help Carlie understand her insecurities and allow her to gradually build confidence and mood. Carlie also attended 1:1 sessions with support staff to proactively set herself goals and discuss her feelings.
Outcome
Carlie has been able to manage her levels of anxiety and low mood with the support of staff. Carlie eventually attended mainstream school, found a passion for horse riding, and most importantly learned how to feel loved, love, and respect others.
In 2018, Carlie left Unique Care and went on to live in an adult home. Today, we are pleased to say Carlie has a job helping other young people with mental health issues and is living in her own home. Unique Care is in regular contact with Carlie, and we are so proud of how far she has come.
*Name changed to protect identity