Transforming Trauma: Tomás’s Journey to Hope and Healing
In the heart of our mission at AFS, stories of resilience, healing, and hope like Tomás’s* underscore the transformative impact of specialized care and innovative therapies.
In the heart of our mission at AFS, stories of resilience, healing, and hope like Tomás’s* underscore the transformative impact of specialized care and innovative therapies. Tomás, a bright yet troubled 10-year-old, came into our Intensive Services Foster Care bearing the heavy burdens of abuse, neglect, and the chaos of parental substance abuse. His early experiences had left him navigating the world from the confines of a constant fight or flight response, manifesting as PTSD, depression, abandonment issues, and a struggle with suicidal thoughts and tech addiction. His academic life mirrored these challenges, with failing grades, behavioral issues, and a lack of social skills marking his days.
Recognizing the depth of Tomás’s needs, his case worker Carmen*, alongside his dedicated care team, embarked on a journey to unlock a path to healing for him. Among the array of strategies employed was the introduction of the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), a groundbreaking intervention grounded in the polyvagal theory by Dr. Stephen Porges. The SSP, with its foundation in enhancing emotional regulation and neuroception through therapeutic listening, offered a beacon of hope.
Carmen facilitated SSP sessions for Tomás twice a week, immersing him in specially filtered music designed to stimulate the vagus nerve and recalibrate his autonomic nervous system. This innovative approach aimed to soothe and regulate his emotional state and pave the way for improved social engagement and responsiveness to emotional and physical needs.
The transformation witnessed over the months was nothing short of remarkable. Tomás began to show signs of joy, laughing more freely and exhibiting a notable decrease in behavioral complaints from his resource parents. His academic performance took a positive turn, reflecting a newfound ability to focus and engage with his studies. More importantly, Tomás started to develop and apply pro-social skills, managing his negative behaviors with greater efficacy.
As Tomás approaches his 13th birthday, his journey is far from over, but his strides toward healing highlight the profound impact of the SSP and the care provided by AFS. His story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the potential for transformation through compassionate, innovative care.
