Penndel Mental Health Center

Success Stories

• “Bob” is a middle-aged man who has been coming to PMHC for several years. He has seen at least three therapists, and finally found “the right fit” with “Steve,” and they have been working together, consistently, for the past year.

  At the beginning of building their therapeutic relationship, Bob was very closed off, quiet, and resistant to share his thoughts. Steve used many therapeutic techniques with Bob like Self-talk, Motivational Interviewing and CBT, and over time, despite Bob’s resistance, he became more vulnerable in expressing his thoughts.

  Bob eventually began to share his struggles with chronic pain and addiction struggles associated to his pain. He opened up about his previous volatile relationship, depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. At his lowest point in therapy, he wanted to quit, however, with Steve’s patience, compassion, and dedication with this client, he continued to guide him in a positive direction.

  The turning point in Bob’s therapy was his ability to trust Steve enough to show emotion during a session. “This is the first time I’ve cried in a long time” Bob said and he was able to express his thoughts of being able to forgive himself for previous mistakes and set clear goals for the future. “I broke away from the old Bob and I’m now excited to know the new Bob.”

  Since that time, Bob has reconnected with his faith, learned forgiveness, worked through his grief from his D&A use and emotional detriment caused in his previous relationship. He has learned self-care, has changed his self-talk, and utilizes de-escalation techniques. He has also found support in his sobriety.

  Bob feels he prepared to fill his personal schedule with more daily activities/self-care and feels that soon he will be able to live his life without his ongoing therapy sessions. He is grateful for the support he received from PMHC.

• “B”: A Forensic Service Program (FSP) Success Story

  I started providing therapy services for “B” in April 2022, right after he successfully completed probation. I noticed that he was always upbeat and easily engaged in therapy. As I continued to work with him, I also learned that “B” was a positive presence both at home and at work.

  “B” works five days a week. He recently received a five-year service award from his employer. Due to his strong work ethic and excellent customer service skills, he also earned a large merit raise this year. “B” is a valued employee who maintains good rapport with customers, coworkers and management.

  “B” has created healthy balance in his life through employment, going to the gym several times each week, and spending quality time with family and friends. A sports enthusiast, he enjoys watching football and baseball and sharing his encyclopedic knowledge of sports with others.

  “B” is a shining FSP success story because not only is he a productive member of society, but also a positive presence in the lives of all who know him.

• In December of 2017, “M” became a participant in the Forensic Services Program. He was, and to this day is, one of the most pleasant gentlemen you will meet. He always takes the time to inquire about the well-being of staff members and notices when someone is absent. “M’s” easy-going, friendly personality often made him a target. Not long before his probation was to end, he acquired a new charge, thus placing him on probation even longer. “M” did not allow this setback to alter his personality. Instead, he became more determined to progress and realized he needed a change in environment. Unfortunately, “M” had a relapse and suffered an overdose shortly after. He was saved and immediately became invested in his recovery. He took suggestions—willingly committing to, and completing,  inpatient and outpatient drug and alcohol treatment all while working with FSP staff and fully complying. “M” remained sober and moved into a shared apartment in Bensalem and eventually moved into a CRR (during the pandemic) a few months before completing his probation. “M” is thriving and is the happiest he has been. He is so proud of his accomplishments and is always eager to share his sobriety (he has remained clean and sober since his overdose two years ago),  and the hurdles he overcame to complete his probation. You can often find “M” relaxing, meditating, or taking a walk; he is always willing to share scripture and offer a blessing whenever needed. “M” is a true FSP success story.

• “Sam” is a 15 year old male who has been a client at PMHC since the age of 8. Initially when he met the clinician, he spent the session staring at the floor. During the sixth session Sam brought in his own guitar and played a tune for the clinician. At this session he disclosed a childhood history of sexual abuse. The clinician was able to process this with him and Sam continues to attend treatment and participate actively through the use of expressive arts.

• “Tim” receives Supports Coordination in our Intellectual Disabilities department and has always wanted to work in the community.  Tim went through many job coaching agencies, trying many different jobs in the community. He was never able to stay in a community-based job for more than a month for various reasons. He was finally matched with a job coach who worked well with him and who assisted him in locating a job at a local large-scale grocery store.  Tim has been successfully employed at this store for several years.

• One day a 52-year old male, diagnosed with Mood Disorder NOS, walked into my office. This was his very first therapy session.  He “hid” in his room all day and didn’t come out despite his family knocking on the door and/or calling. Getting dressed, showered, shaving, eating, and even watching his once loved football games were all a challenge.  Six months into therapy, he has stated, “I didn’t think I’d make it where I am today”, and “I have a great team,” when referring to the team he has with his wife, his therapist, his doctor, and himself. Of course, by far, he is the MVP of this team!

• “Joe” began receiving supports coordination services while still in school. Around that same time we found out that he is a skilled Special Olympian and we continue to watch him excel at basketball, soccer, long distance running and track and field. He has made lifelong friends there with other athletes and coaches.   Another great activity that he does is summer camp. He loves it there so much that he goes year round to to their fall/winter retreats. It’s another great social outlet for him and he often gets to see returning campers and staff who he has known for over 10 years. Currently “Joe” is waiting for an available spot at a workshop to open up. In the meantime, thanks to our SC’s advocacy and support, we are fortunate to have the funding for companion services that not only allows us to be able to work but also gives him the opportunity to participate in fun and meaningful activities on days while we are working.  While we do not know what the future holds, he is hoping to someday live on his own and have a job, we do know that Allison will be there as his biggest supporter.