Clover House Therapy - The Complementary Therapy Centre for Children

Dear Baz, Carole, Jill

 

I’m sorry this has taken so long to write, but we have been very busy, both work and personal.

 

It seems strange to be putting our experiences down on paper, to think how this all started and how our lives have changed for the better.  So here goes!  Back in July of last year I happened to pick up a leaflet telling me all about ‘Clover House’, I read it and though I’ll give them a ring sometime, then whilst wondering around the galleries in Bristol I saw Baz, although at the time I didn’t realise this.  This is fate I thought I have to phone and see if they can help Jordan our 10-year-old son.

 

Jordan has always had problems at school but gradually these problems were manifesting into behavioural problems and emotionally Jordan was a wreck, it was if he was suffering from a form of depression, he has never really enjoyed school, but knew he had to go so rarely complained.

 

During the month of July we had meetings with the school and decided to try to get Jordan extra help by getting a statement for September; this was in place for his final year in primary school!

 

Jordan was not keen to take on board ‘clover house’ and took some persuading to even walk through the door, but I felt it was our only chance of some sanity in our lives.  Jordan was sulky, moody, and generally a very unhappy little boy when we arrived, we were introduced to the team, Jordan spent the first hour trying everything he could to avoid eye contact, and trying to climb inside my back, Jordan was determined no to co-operate, he felt threatened by all the people.

 

Baz showed him some magic tricks and then left us to calm down and for Jordan to regain his composure.

 

After a few minutes curiosity got the better of Jordan because he wanted to see inside the magic room (Baz’s room) we both went in gradually Jordan opened up a bit.  We then saw Carole, she advised me to cut out all dairy produce, squashes, coke, etc., and as many foods containing preservatives as possible, (that meant me learning to cook again!).

 

I did this with a vengeance orange juice is now in the cupboards, dairy free margarine, goats’ milk, and organic produce like I can’t imagine!

 

Then onto Gill who encourages both mum and dad to gently massage their child, showing you a few strokes, and to encourage you to get in touch with your child (to bond). Again I took this on with a vengeance, Jordan loves it has always asked to have a massage right from the beginning, I have realised a long term goal of becoming a therapist and in October 2000 started a massage course, so as to help Jordan, the family, myself and others.

 

Sorry! Back to Jordan, after 10 days of cutting out certain foods, Jordan was a changed boy, loving, happy and not as angry with everybody, unfortunately we went on holiday in August 2000, (10 days after we first started) – within that 2 week period Jordan’s personality started to change back, the anger, the sulks, everything we had been trying so hard to change, this is what happened when we went all inclusive, he though he could have fizzy drinks, preservatives etc.

 

Within 3 days of coming back off holiday and onto dairy free, no fizzy drinks he was changing back again to the happy little boy I enjoyed having around.  Before Sept 2000 Jordan was having so many detentions for not behaving it was laughable, but since Sept he has only had 2, and is coping with school, and life in general, he achieving in all areas, is growing in confidence, and is starting to enjoy (dare I say it) school.  Jordan still has his moments but in general he likes himself when he is happy and is aware when he has drunk or eaten something he knows is not good for him.

 

I hope Jordan can carry this newfound confidence into his new school in September, and can fly through his teens without to many hurdles.

 

I hope this letter is of some help I realise I have shortened the sequence of events, but that does not in any way detract from the gratitude that Kelv and myself have for all of you and the work you do for all the children and families you see.  All I can say to ‘Clover House’ is a very big thank you for giving us back our little boy, who is loving, smiling and enjoying life, not the depressed little boy they saw last July.

 

Jordan’s Mum