Luis had tried various types of treatments over the years, including wilderness therapy, a mental health boarding school, and numerous therapists, but nothing seemed to bring lasting relief for his symptoms. As his quality of life continued to decline, he decided to give treatment another chance. Diagnosed with depression, anxiety, ASD, BPD, and PTSD, Luis came to The Dorm to address his emotional dysregulation, suicidal ideation, and overwhelming PTSD symptoms. Feeling a mix of hope and skepticism, Luis hoped that The Dorm would be the turning point in his long treatment journey.
Due to past traumatic events, Luis also struggled with strong enmeshment in his relationship with his mother, where boundaries were blurred and emotional needs became heavily intertwined. Growing up with “gifted child syndrome,” Luis was often treated as if his needs came above all others, further fueling the codependent dynamic. Recognizing the need to address this, Luis sought to work on building healthier boundaries with his mother, aiming to break free from the cycle of mutual dependency.
Treatment and Life Goals
At The Dorm, Luis aimed to:
- Work on his trauma symptoms
- Address his codependency with his mother and friends
- Decrease his suicidal ideation and find a direction for the future
Treatment Plan and Recovery Journey
Individual Therapy
Luis’s therapist used the following modalities to support his treatment journey:
- Somatic Therapy, a modality that focuses on physical manifestations of symptoms, was immensely helpful to process his trauma. Luis had often been resistant to traditional talk therapy, feeling unsure of how to articulate his trauma. His therapist, recognizing this, incorporated somatic techniques to guide him through the physical discomfort, an extension of his trauma symptoms, and showing him how these sensations were connected to his emotional pain. Through breathing exercises and focusing on bodily sensations, Luis learned to sit with discomfort rather than avoid it. This approach allowed him to manage his trauma in a new, more grounded way, offering relief he hadn’t experienced before in traditional talk therapy techniques.
- Motivational Interviewing played a pivotal role in Luis’s journey, helping him explore his reasons to live and stay engaged in treatment. At times, he struggled to see a future for himself, but through open conversations with his therapist, Luis was gently guided to uncover his own motivations and desires for the future, gradually rebuilding his sense of purpose and maintaining his determination to continue on his healing journey.
Clinical Coaching
Due to the enmeshment with his mother, Luis had to find meaning beyond his role as a son. In clinical coaching sessions, he explored potential career paths with his coach, focusing on what truly resonated with him. In reconnecting with his own desires and passions, Luis built a sense of purpose and felt more empowered and hopeful about his future, gaining confidence in his ability to shape his own life.
Parent Coaching and Family Therapy
Luis’s past traumatic events led to deep enmeshment with his parents. His experience of “gifted child syndrome” created a family dynamic where he was put on a pedestal and his needs always got priority over all else. Luis’s treatment team worked closely with his parents on setting healthy boundaries, such as not immediately responding to every phone call and giving Luis more space to develop independence. They also focused on helping his parents establish a united front, promoting a healthier dynamic that allowed for firmer boundaries and mutual understanding.
Group Therapy
Although group therapy wasn’t the central focus of Luis’s treatment, he still participated in and found value in the following groups:
- Seeking Safety Group, a group geared toward clients with trauma, that provided a space for him to work through his symptoms alongside peers facing similar challenges. This group helped him gain perspective, learn coping strategies, and feel less isolated in his journey.
- Urge Surfing Group, which allowed Luis to better manage his tendencies to reach out to his family when anything went wrong.
Community Clubhouse
During his time with The Dorm, Luis discovered a passion for the performing arts, often attending shows that inspired conversations with peers. He took up biking and found consistency in his gym routine, which became a grounding outlet. Luis connected with a close circle of Dorm clients, sharing meals and weekend outings, and gradually built strong rapport with his team through his clinical sessions and collaborative activities.
Luis Today: Outcomes
Today, Luis is a full-time student and holds a meaningful internship where he applies his growing confidence and skills. He meets weekly with an outside therapist to support his mental wellness and continues to engage in hobbies such as biking, fitness, and attending local performances. Luis has learned to self-soothe rather than reaching out to his parents when faced with unexpected stress. He is also equipped with new skills to process trauma symptoms and maintain emotional balance. With a clearer sense of direction, Luis now leads a life filled with purpose, independence, and genuine engagement in the activities and relationships he values most.
