Sady, a 35 year old undiagnosed mild traumatic brain injury survivor, was suffering from depression, isolation, memory impairment, and suicidal ideation. She was referred to BONA COMP. due to the severity of the latter problem. Within
the first month of treatment, Sady successfully learned healthy methods for dealing with her frustration, anxiety, poor memory, and feelings of loss. After three months of intensive therapy, Sady was no longer at risk for suicide. She had accomplished
75% of her goals and reported feeling in control for the first time in her life. Sady has since moved to another province to pursue the remainder of her goals. She is no longer in need of therapeutic assistance.
Marnie, a 22 year old
survivior of traumatic brain injury, was residing with an agency with 24-hour supports due to her negative behavior. Marnie suffers a severe boundary disturbance and it was not uncommon for her to run away from her home to find older male strangers who
would befriend her. There were times when Marnie was missing for two weeks at a time and could only be found with police assistance. Her behavior was dangerous to the point of perhaps becoming fatal. She was referred to BONA COMP. in an attempt to
stabilize this behavior. Within the first three months of treatment, Marnie no longer attempted to run away from home. Using a continuous rewards program, Marnie learned alternative methods for taking control in her environment. Today, after three
years of treatment that was not continuous due to inconsistencies with government funding, Marnie no longer requires 24-hour care. She is residing in a semi-independent living situation where she is continuing to learn the skills she needs to live an
independent adult life, her ultimate goal.
Don and Sandra were referred to BONA COMP. because of the difficulty they were experiencing with their two boys, ages 12 and 15. One boy was diagnosed with Schizophrenia and the other suffered from
Tourette's Syndrome. The parents had spent years trying to find proper supports for their children. They tried desperately to live with their boys but it appeared that it could not be done successfully. Both boys had behavior problems that made living
under the same roof impossible without violent fighting. After an intensive assessment, it was determined that the boys responded well to treatment and could behave within expectations in places other than their own home. Copious time was spent
educating the parents about their options and exploring their true feelings and after much trial and consideration, the parents concluded that outside help was necessary for their family. In therapy sessions, they learned the ropes for dealing with
government systems and have currently succeeded in getting the community support that is ideal for their family. Relations between the brothers have improved 70% and the parents have regained their energy for dealing with any problems that still exist
when the boys are at home. The parents report feeling good about their decisions and are looking forward to continuing positive relations with their sons.
Arial, a 27 year old sexual abuse victim, engaged in self-abusive behavior to deal
with what appeared to be Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. She resided in Nova Scotia and received treatment from BONA COMP. via telephone. In the beginning stages of treatment, Arial did not believe that she could change her self-destructive behavior.
She was quite reserved about initiating telephone contact but eventually was able to identify the warning signs to her destructive behavior and reach out before she hurt herself. In these instances, Arial was able to practice alternative methods to
hurting herself in times of stress or frustration; her chosen alternative was to design art paintings. After three years of treatment, Arial reports that she hasn't cut herself for more than one year. Her confidence has grown to the point where she
enters her paintings in art shows, a lifelong dream. She reports feeling good about herself because she is capable of controlling her actions to produce positive outcomes. This was a lifelong struggle for Arial.
These are but a few examples of
the intensive work carried out by Eileen Bona. For more information about the clientelle served by BONA COMP. and methods of treatment, contact
Eileen Bona @ (780) 922.1047
