F
amily conflict and divorce can be damaging
Like the other residents, Emma was given
to children. Studies have shown that
an individualised care plan with targeted
children with divorced parents are more likely to
interventions, overseen by her counsellor
engage in risky behaviour like alcohol and drug
Belinda Tan.
abuse, and suffer from mental health issues, than their peers from intact families.
With empowerment being one of the five guiding principles of TIC—alongside safety,
In the case of 17-year-old Emma*, growing up
choice, collaboration and trustworthiness—MWS
in a broken home took a major psychological
GR put Emma in the driver’s seat of her own
toll on her. As a child, Emma witnessed
trauma recovery process.
domestic violence and was exposed to abuse and neglect, including having her parents
For instance, Emma was taught to manage
burden her with their adult and marital
trauma symptoms associated with her ACEs to
problems. She also often found herself caught
regain control of her life. Expressive therapies
in the crossfire between her warring parents,
like sandplay and art therapy, as well as
and torn by divided loyalties. Her parents’
bodywork sessions which married movement
eventual separation brought her feelings of
and mindfulness, helped her to reduce anxiety
grief and loss.
and stress. Emma also acquired healthy coping skills to manage emotional overwhelm when
By the time Emma was 14, she was diagnosed
they occur, as well as strategies to break her
with major depression and also exhibited
negative thought patterns.
symptoms of social anxiety. To cope with her feelings, she resorted to chain smoking, drug
Empowered to drive positive change
use and self-harm. She also played truant due
In addition, narrative therapy was used to help
to anxiety, and struggled with negative thought
Emma tap into her strengths and resilience to
patterns and attachment issues.
resolve difficulties in her life. This type of therapy encourages one to reframe their life stories
A turning point
in a way that is healing and externalises their
In February 2021, Emma was referred to MWS
problems so they can address them in a more
Girls’ Residence (GR), a rehabilitative haven for
productive way.
troubled and at-risk girls aged between 15 and 21 years old. Through a holistic programme
By becoming aware of how her life experiences
built around Trauma-Informed Care (TIC), MWS
have impacted her, Emma started to set healthy
GR aims to improve the overall well-being
boundaries with her parents and learnt to listen
of residents who have all suffered Adverse
to herself and make her own choices. Gradually,
Childhood Experiences (ACEs).
she was also able to heal from the pain of her parents’ divorce. July 2022 Methodist Message 31
