In this webinar, viewers meet James, a 16-year-old African American youth who has been living with his maternal uncle, Patrick, since he and his two younger sisters were removed from their biological parents three years ago when James reported to a teacher that his father physically abused him. The teacher filed a report with Child Protective Services (CPS), quickly leading to the removal of James and his two younger sisters (ages seven and nine at that time) from the family home. CPS has been the legal guardian of all three children ever since. CPS gave Patrick physical custody of James, but James’ sisters were placed with a foster family. Patrick believes James needs help and sends him to see Dr. Julian Ford. During his first telehealth session with Dr. Ford, James is skeptical about whether his older White therapist can understand what it’s like as a young African American man. Together, Dr. Ford and James discuss these differences. Their discussions allow James to open up and share some of his deep frustrations and fears, including how his experiences affect his sense of safety and trust and how Patrick can accept and support him as he navigates these complex issues.

Jordyn, who disclosed sexual exploitation in a previous session has continued to see her therapist to address her symptoms of distress which include depression and PTSD. During this session Jordyn is joined by her father Jimmy who has his own trauma history related to combat exposure. Despite notable progress in both Jordyn’s and Jimmy’s respective individual treatment, tensions are growing at home that are related to the upcoming court proceedings and trial for the man who exploited Jordyn. To address the mounting tensions at home, the therapist decides to focus on communication. In this family session, secrets are revealed and the therapist is challenged to repair the rift between father and daughter caused by the information disclosed.

Depicts a father who has been physically violent in the past becoming intensely verbally angry, frightening and emotionally alienating his son. The therapist has to find a way to help the father feel supported, so he can engage his son with the love and appreciation which his son needs from him. With this caring and role modeling, the son can heal and move forward in his own life.

In this Webinar you will meet Joshua, a 15-year-old who has been in and out of DCF care and foster homes his whole life. Recently he was arrested for attempt of armed robbery. In this session, the therapist was asked by DCF to work on strengthening the relationship between Joshua and his father to see if he could move in and live with his father’s family in the future.