How we walked alongside Kelsey
The MST therapist worked with Kelsey’s father, Frank*, to support him with managing some of Kelsey’s challenging behaviour. It was important for him to build his knowledge and skills. To ensure he had the right tools to deal with Kelsey’s behaviour, a safety plan was created which focused on identifying early warning signs and triggers for her, and some calming strategies and helpful phrases to use.
The therapist also worked with Kelsey’s former school and was able to set up a meeting with the head of student support. This lead to Kelsey being re-enrolled and put in her best friend’s class as an incentive to attend school.
A day and night routine was established which included the Wi-Fi in the house being turned off at 10pm so that Kelsey wasn’t staying up late using her electronic devices. The therapist and Frank developed clear expectations regarding Kelsey’s vaping which were also paired with consequences and incentives. Although Frank wanted Kelsey to stop vaping, they decided that a decrease in use was more realistic to achieve. The main focus was on Kelsey not vaping in the house or around her younger siblings.
The difference we made
A clear set of rules, as well as a rewards and consequences contract, was created and shared with Kelsey. It clearly labelled the expectation for her to go to school each day and was linked with a monetary reward or consequences if she chose not to attend, such as having the Wi-Fi turned off early. The MST therapist worked with Frank to ensure the plan was followed consistently and any potential push back from Kelsey was managed. They also shared the plan with the school team, who they were regularly meeting with. With the plan in place and all key people working alongside Frank and Kelsey, she managed to attend school for the full week when she first started back and has maintained a high level of attendance.
This is a significant change from not attending school at all for more than six months. Within 15 weeks of MST treatment, there was significantly less conflict at home and a reduction in Kelsey vaping and self-harming.
