From Turbulence to TriumphJake's 3-Year Transformation
"From feeling lost to building a fulfilling life, Jake's transformation inspires hope."— Jake, 24
Introduction
Meet Jake, a 24-year-old NDIS participant from Geelong facing significant life challenges. With a history of trauma, involvement in criminal activity, self-harm, and relationship issues, Jake felt lost and without purpose. This is the story of how Shake Counselling partnered with him to transform his life, build resilience, and create a future he is proud of.
Initial Challenge
Past trauma, criminal involvement, self-harm, suicidal ideation, relationship challenges
Location
Geelong, Victoria
Where the transformation happened
Counsellor
Shake Counselling Team
Youth mental health specialist
Final Outcome
Removed from justice system after 6 years, secured stable employment for 8+ months, improved relationships
Life-changing results
Background
Jake's struggles included:
Past Trauma: Extensive history affecting his mental health
Criminal Involvement: Ongoing legal issues and altercations
Self-Harm and Suicidal Ideation: Coping mechanisms that endangered his well-being
Relationship Challenges: Difficulties maintaining healthy connections
Goals
Working collaboratively, we aimed to:
Provide Guidance and Support: Connect Jake with a mentor for consistent encouragement
Enhance Emotional Regulation: Develop skills to manage intense emotions
Increase Physical Activity: Promote healthy outlets through exercise
Reduce Aggressive Behaviours: Decrease physical assaults and criminal activities
Foster a Life Worth Living: Help Jake find purpose and fulfillment
Our Approach
Over three years, Jake engaged in a comprehensive program:
Building a Supportive Relationship
Foundation Phase
Mentorship: Paired with a mentor who understood his experiences. Consistency: Two sessions per week providing stability and routine.
Activities: Regular check-ins, trust-building activities, establishing therapeutic rapport.
Therapeutic Activities
Active Engagement
Physical Exercise: Gym sessions and walks to promote health and reduce stress. Life Skills Development: Cooking and community engagement to build independence.
Activities: Therapeutic Conversations: Gradual introduction of discussions about his situation in a safe environment.
Skill Building
DBT Integration
Emotional Regulation: Introduced DBT skills to manage anger and impulses. Visual Aids: Used whiteboards and phone apps for accessible reminders.
Activities: Self-Care Emphasis: Encouraged routines that promoted well-being.
Community Integration
Year 2-3
Boxing Therapy: Engaged with MMpowerment for structured physical activity that channeled energy positively. Building Connections: Developed relationships within the boxing community, creating a support network beyond therapy.
Activities: Regular boxing sessions at MMpowerment, community engagement activities, peer support development, and employment preparation.
Key Takeaways
Consistency Matters: Two sessions per week over three years provided the stability Jake needed
Clinical Insight
Activity-Based Therapy Works: Physical activities like boxing and gym sessions created safe spaces for emotional processing
Clinical Insight
Mentorship is Powerful: Having a consistent mentor who understood his experiences was crucial to Jake's transformation
Clinical Insight
Long-term Support: Significant life changes require extended support - Jake's three-year journey allowed for sustainable transformation
Clinical Insight
Outcomes
Legal Freedom: Jake was removed from the justice system after six years of involvement
Employment Success: Secured stable employment for over eight months, improving financial stability
Personal Growth: Developed healthier coping mechanisms and emotional regulation skills
Ongoing Support: While Jake has made significant progress, he continues to engage with support services as needed
"The support I got from Shake changed everything. It wasn't just therapy - it was someone believing in me when I couldn't believe in myself."
— Jake
Counsellor's Insight
Jake's transformation over three years demonstrates the importance of patience and persistence in therapeutic work. The combination of DBT skills, physical activity through boxing at MMpowerment, and consistent mentorship created the perfect environment for change. His journey reminds us that even the most challenging situations can improve with the right support, time, and commitment from both the client and the therapeutic team.
Shake Counselling Team
Youth Mental Health Specialist
Shake Counselling
Registered
Professional
Evidence-Based Practice
Compassionate Approach
Safe & Supportive
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"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Your transformation starts today."
— The Shake Team