Barry's Story When 9-year-old Barry came to EMQ, he was so hyperactive he couldn't hold still for even a minute...

When 9-year-old Barry came to EMQ, he was so hyperactive he couldn't hold still for even a minute. His mother was ill and couldn't take care of him, and she didn't know where his father was. Barry couldn't tie his shoes, ride a bike, or catch a ball. No one could understand his speech.

During his stay in the EMQ 24/7 Intensive Family Therapy (residential) program, Barry was helped especially by Experiential Therapy – non-traditional forms of therapy such as art, music and recreation therapy.

Through more than a year of intensive therapy, which included participation in the Experiential Therapy program, Barry learned to tie his shoes, ride a bike, catch a ball, turn a somersault, and sit at the table. Movement and dance classes provided through Experiential Therapy helped Barry relax, stay focused on one task, improve his coordination, and cooperate with other children.

The non-verbal expression of Experiential Therapy helps fragile children gain self-confidence and learn how to deal with frustration and disappointment. Withdrawn, depressed, and even suicidal children are drawn from their shell of fear and pain. They sing, dance, read, paint, learn, and heal. They learn to trust in adults, in peers, and in themselves.

» Next Success Story

» How Can I Help?

Confidentiality of EMQ children and families has been preserved
through the use of models. Some stories may be composites of multiple cases.