Beth’s story

admin — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 01:31:47 +0000

Stepping into our client’s life:

As a young adult, Beth seemed stuck, going in circles. Having been in residential treatment and attempting to live independently, she struggled with mental health symptoms. She was seeing a therapist virtually and was compliant with her prescribed medication, but she was unable to get a job that would allow her to be autonomous and self-sufficient. Her parents, who live in a different state, want to be supportive but also want her to be accountable, and for there to be some light at the end of the tunnel. She struggled with impulse buying, enjoying the delivery of packages each day, and this led to a hoarding situation of sorts. Her apartment was in disarray and she was unable to navigate a routine and structure that is healthy and productive. She spent most of her “free” time online. Drinking is also a concern.

With her therapist’s and parent’s endorsement, she also engaged the help of a local clinic providing neuroofeedback therapy, which required that she does sessions and exercises online each day. Despite the financial investment, Beth was not following through with these exercises.

How Coach-Mentors helped:

Coach-Mentors was asked to help support Beth with all of the above challenges. The coach-mentor selected for her spent meaningful time with her developing a trusting relationship, and in small steps, they began to work on issues. In addition to helping to provide structure and support for her neurofeedback session work (which she ultimately completed), they initially worked on “organizing” the apartment, which included going to the dollar store (which got her out of the apartment, into the community) and purchasing things that would help with organization. This momentum provided the opportunity for Beth to begin donating or getting rid of items that she did not need, and room by room, they were able to clean/organize her apartments. Beth was quite excited about this and shared pictures with everyone of how cool her place was! Of course, the whole time they were talking, laughing, sharing stories and this foundation provided the opportunity to press in on setting limits on purchasing, working on money management and budgeting and a serious job search.

Over time, Beth was able to get a job (and then also changed to a better-paying job that was more convenient to her apartment), she also, with the mentor’s assistance, shopped for and moved to a new apartment in a safer area of town, providing her with work and social opportunities. Beth also began to be less demanding on her other for money and allowed for more accountability of the financial support her parents were providing (showing her budget).

As is usually the case, there came a time when Beth regressed and struggled with her mental health issues. She used the coach-mentor support, increased her frequency with her therapist and spoke with her psychiatrist about a med change, and thus what would have previously led to a residential placement, she was able to fully use the supports available for her to get back on track. Although she did lose her job at this time, she and the coach-mentor worked on rebuilding and using it as an opportunity for something new.

Takeaway:

While so many young adults are motivated to be independent, many lack the skills to be fully self-sufficient and some are hindered by mental health symptoms that can derail the “adulting” trajectory. Coach-Mentors is well positioned to help support young adults in their quest for independence by showing up in real life and walking the walk with them. The therapy and medication aspects are essential, but sometimes more is needed. The opportunity to be supported in taking action in everyday life is the aspect that Coach-Mentors does the best.

Coaching – Coach Mentors

Beth’s story

Stepping into our client’s life:

How Coach-Mentors helped:

Takeaway: