When six-year-old Matilda first came to Pacific Clinics’ Family Therapeutic Services (FTS) program, she was quiet, withdrawn and struggling to meet milestones. Words rarely came, and her behavior became the only way she could express herself. Her mother shared that Matilda was nonverbal, and she feared that earlier exposure to family violence had lasting effects.
New hope emerged when Matilda’s pediatrician referred them to Pacific Clinics. The FTS team reassured Matilda’s mother that her daughter’s challenges could be addressed with the right support and encouragement. Through play therapy, Matilda found a safe, nurturing space to explore her emotions. Parent coaching gave her mother tools to comfort, guide and encourage independence, while a family specialist helped reinforce progress at home and in the community.
At first, therapy was met with tears and frustration. With patience and support, those difficult moments gradually became times of comfort and progress. Matilda’s vocabulary began to bloom, first with small requests, then with powerful words like “proud” and “disappointed”. She started sharing her feelings, feeding herself and embracing new routines with confidence.
Her mother, once uncertain, now finds joy in conversations with her daughter and celebrates her growing independence. What once felt impossible has become a daily ritual.
Today, Matilda looks forward to her sessions and is eager to learn, play and connect. With her family’s love and the compassionate care of the FTS team, she is no longer defined by silence but by her blossoming voice.
Matilda’s journey shows what is possible when children and families are met with understanding, compassionate care and the support they deserve.
Pacific Clinics continues to provide health care excellence and hope for individuals and families. Your support makes this possible.
About Pacific Clinics’ Family Therapeutic Services
Pacific Clinics offers early intervention therapy for children, teens and families, focusing on building healthy practices and strengthening relationships. We provide parents and children with tools that promote comfort, stability and growth at home and in the community.
