Just Neighbors continually looks for ways to serve the immigrant community. As part of this, we provide mental health treatment to a number of clients through grants that we receive. Many of our clients have suffered trauma. For some, it was traumatic experiences in their home country that prompted them to leave. Others experienced trauma during their migration to the U.S. and even after their arrival. Often, a migrant’s trauma is further exacerbated by their immigration status. For those who have suffered abuse or trauma, we provide time‑limited, weekly psychotherapy sessions to help reduce symptoms and improve functioning.
One such client, *Dalia, came to treatment after being in a physically and verbally abusive relationship that had become dangerous. Dalia had not felt she could leave the relationship due to her undocumented status. However, after an incident with her partner where she feared for her life, the police became involved, and Dalia was referred to Just Neighbors for assistance.
When Dalia began psychotherapy, she was experiencing many symptoms of Post‑Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), including fear of leaving her home, panic attacks, flashbacks, and intrusive thoughts. Dalia reported sleep disturbances, including nightmares, as well as a loss of appetite leading to weight loss. She was also depressed, causing frequent crying spells and making her want to stay in bed. Dalia felt that her life had become much smaller — she didn’t engage in many of the activities she used to enjoy due to fear and had difficulty finding joy when she tried.
Over the course of five months, Dalia received weekly psychotherapy in which she processed her trauma, learned coping skills, and developed strategies to reduce her fear when going out. By the end of treatment, Dalia no longer met the clinical criteria for PTSD. She was able to leave the house, engage in pleasurable activities, and truly enjoy herself. The nightmares and panic attacks stopped, and Dalia shared that she felt hopeful about the future. Although treatment for PTSD is not always this brief, Dalia said that she felt much better and no longer needed therapy.
It was rewarding to witness such a profound and positive change in the life of someone who has experienced so much hardship. Just Neighbors is grateful to have the opportunity to provide such vital services.
*Name has been changed to protect her identity.
– Written by Carolyn Heier Young, PsyD. Carolyn has contributed her professional services to Just Neighbors for over three years, providing valuable therapy to survivors of domestic violence.