Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota-Behavioral Health Services
Natasha came to LSS, after trying to find a counselor for over two years. Life circumstances and the cost of getting help had prevented her from getting started elsewhere. Natasha was a high school student who came to LSS with severe depression that worsened with the recent separation of her parents. During her first appointment, Natasha expressed a desire to bring consistency and stability to her life as she had been having a hard time adjusting to the many changes within her family. Natasha’s social life had also been causing stress, and she was hoping to find an objective person to talk with and find support. The sliding fee scale offered by LSS was pivotal in reducing session fees to manageable amount. The lessening of the financial burden also enabled Natasha’s family to support her mental health journey more fully. Natasha met weekly with an LSS therapist to set and address goals for counseling. These included managing her feelings of anger and depression, while also being able to set boundaries with those around her. During sessions, Natasha explored how her thoughts influenced her feelings and relationships, as well as practiced communicating emotions and boundaries in healthy and productive ways. Natasha was motivated to make changes in her life and she implemented honest communication with her friends and loved ones. She began to set boundaries and to use healthy expression to let people know when she was upset or angry. Natasha’s world and family life began to change for the better while in counseling. At times, her progress was slow and her depression was difficult, but she stayed motivated and consistent in adapting to her family’s new normal. Natasha’s depression has improved, and she has been empowered to build happiness and joy in her life, which has included finding a job, progressing well at school, building new relationships and strengthening others. With all of her success and progress, Natasha was ready to move forward without counseling for support but has agreed to call back if she needed support. Natasha explains that she is feeling confident since she made her way through a challenging time in her life and she is ready to move forward with her new skills.