Joey’s story – A journey to security

At just 9 years old, Joey* faced challenges that many adults would struggle to navigate.

Growing up in a turbulent household, Joey experienced verbal aggression from his father and witnessed him be physically violent towards his mother.

The strain of his father’s eventual departure left Joey in a constant state of vigilance, fearful of his father’s potential return and the impact it might have on his family. As the older sibling, Joey often felt an intense sense of responsibility for his mother, grappling with the pressures of being a caretaker at such a young age.

At school, Joey’s struggles with emotional regulation became apparent, particularly during moments of frustration, such as losing games. His behaviours, while sometimes erratic, stemmed from a deeper internal conflict between his caretaker role and his desire to engage in age-appropriate activities.

Joey’s journey to security began with counselling, where he found a critical ally in one of our counsellors at CCV. His counsellor focused on building trust and showing Joey unconditional positive regard, especially during moments of dysregulation, to offer Joey a safe space to express his feelings. Slowly, he began to understand himself better and the importance of emotional regulation.

Through this unwavering support, Joey started to trust adults more and acknowledged the need for behavioural changes within himself.

While the road is still challenging, Joey’s progress in therapy is marked by an increased ability to be in control of his emotions and navigate the complexities of his life with strength.

His story is a testament to the power of compassionate guidance and the impact counselling can have on a young person’s journey toward healing and self-discovery.

*At CatholicCare Victoria, we respect everyone who comes to us for help. Many are working towards a fresh start in life, so while the stories and quotes are true, pseudonyms and stock images have been used to protect their privacy.