It took Multisystemic Therapy for this young man to realize where his passion lies
Ben was very young when trouble started. While hanging with some much older boys in the neighborhood, he took part in a serious crime. The smallest in the group, Ben crawled into a doggy door and unlocked an empty house for the older kids. Once inside, the boys caused significant damage and even set a series of small fires. After the police were called by neighbors, Ben admitted to his involvement and ultimately assisted the fire inspectors with their investigation. He was, however, charged with arson and placed on probation. For many young people who find themselves in legal trouble, negative peer association is a contributing factor. This can often lead to pulling away from positive peers and activities, trouble in school and at home. Luckily, Ben and his family found the support they needed from Multisystemic Therapy (MST).
The family had previously allowed Ben to spend time with friends in the community, feeling that he would “do the right thing.” That, obviously, hadn’t turned out so well. With the support of their MST therapist, the family worked diligently to increase the level of supervision. Understanding quickly the importance of finding positive peers and pro-social opportunities for Ben, the family helped him get reinvested at their local church. The boy volunteered in the church coffee shop and would set up before church activities. Ben’s family got him involved in sports. He played football and baseball for his school and in the off-seasons, participated in community leagues. Ben was really too busy to do things with the kids in the neighborhood anymore, and his negative peer associations were replaced with positive friends.
Diagnosing an undiagnosed disorder
When treatment began, Ben was struggling in school. Older than his classmates as a result of being held back and embarrassed by an undiagnosed perceptual-processing disorder, kids in class made fun of him. With the full support of his parents and MST, the right diagnosis was made. Ben began to thrive. He got the support he needed to deal with his challenges in school and ended the year making A’s and B’s.
While Ben was working hard in school, his mom and dad worked on co-parenting more effectively and improving their communication. Ben also got better communicating about issues with his parents. His mom and dad even began applying some of the skills they were learning to his siblings.
After MST concluded, the family continued using the skills they had developed.
Ben’s mom writes about the wonderful effect of MST
As the mom explains in a recent letter to her MST therapist:
“Ben [began] middle school with [a] new set of struggles. [He grew a lot taller and was in great shape from playing football. Other kids seemed to want to challenge him at every turn.] [On one occasion], another guy on the team sucker punched him and [he knew he shouldn’t] fight back. I was proud that he didn’t retaliate. He held his composure and challenged the kid to a weight lifting match, [instead]. [In] doing so, he gain[ed] the respect [of] the rest of the kids on the team. I believe that without the lessons [he learned] from MST, Ben wouldn’t have been able [cope with this incident]. A big accomplishment! Over the summer, Ben got his CPR certification and went to work for a pool company. He loved it so much I was able to enroll him in a Basic Plus First Aid Responders course through my employer. Ben was then certified for both CPR and First Aid. I encouraged Ben to start volunteering at the fire station right around the corner from our new home. He was reluctant, but went in and asked. So every Thursday he would sweep floors and clean up the house and pay attention and learn from the firefighters in the house. [He loved it], and Ben is now a cadet for the fire department.
“Recently, Ben was driving home and witnessed a serious car accident. He said he felt compelled to stop; he knew he could help, he was obligated. Ben realized quickly that he would need to get the man out of the car. The car was crushed and leaking fluid. Ben grabbed his first aid kit. He had to cut the seat belt to get the victim out of the car. He checked him for a pulse and found a faint one; so he started chest compressions. When the rescue team made it to the scene they found Ben still doing compressions, took his statement, and transported the injured man to the hospital. I truly believe that Ben has found his drive and compassion. Ben has maintained A’s and B’s at school. He works and volunteers his time both for the fire house and at the church. I couldn’t be more proud.”
George Eliot once said, “It’s never too late to be what you might have been.” Ben’s family, MST therapist and even members of his community truly rallied around him to offer the support he needed to reach his potential. From an easily influenced, vulnerable young person to a socially responsible young man; from feeling ashamed of his challenges to rising above them and focusing on his passions; from firesetter to firefighter, first responder and hero. MST made the difference for him.
Lance Edwards is an MST therapist at the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department in Houston, Texas.
Research has shown that MST not only helps the child involved, but also their siblings. To learn more, download this white paper.
