Complex Trauma Treatment for Cassandra Dumont

Hello -- Our 17-year-old daughter, Cassandra, is experiencing significant dissociation symptoms resulting from much trauma – trauma with a capital "T" and other smaller traumas throughout her life. This has led to her building a complex internal defense mechanism system that needs to be assessed and untangled as part of her healing process. Simply put, Cassie has creatively protected her heart by teaching herself how to dissociate in order to avoid pain. Everyone dissociates to a certain degree at times – missing an exit while driving on the highway when distracted, for instance – but Cassandra has taken this to an extreme degree. She is constantly coping and not thriving as a teenager should for healthy daily functioning and proper development.

We have utilized both family and individual counseling for years. It has helped in a skills-based way, but it hasn't gotten to Cassie’s core emotional issues -- nor has it touched her dissociation. This underlying condition has mimicked other mental health issues that have been difficult to navigate with clarity. We do not believe she is mentally ill, nor do we see this condition as a "disorder". Cassandra is a brave survivor and a brilliant problem solver, and we are doing all in our power for her to be whole and healed.

We have found a faith-based dissociative trauma specialist in Pennsylvania called Discovering Mercy (https://www.discoveringmercy.org/who-we-are/) that has accepted Cassie as a client. They provide monthly counseling appts via Zoom, and when the timing is right in her healing process, they provide a 4-day therapeutic intensive at their office in PA. They also have a trauma training curriculum that we will start in January to teach Cassie why she built this complex internal system to protect her heart from pain, and how the healing process works. Because they are not local, they recommend (and we agree) that Cassie also needs weekly therapy to treat the many unprocessed emotions/pain.

Discovering Mercy also recommends we have Cassie's brain scanned/evaluated at the Amen Clinic in Atlanta (https://www.amenclinics.com/approach/amen-clinics-method/) which is scheduled for early December. This clinic can make a more accurate diagnosis by scanning her brain activity using SPECT imaging. We know of ADHD and other learning disabilities, but we also want Cassie evaluated for Autism. Because Cassie's case is so complex, we need a more accurate physiological diagnosis to make necessary connections and to inform treatment options.

The medical costs associated with this healing process are mounting quickly, thus our reason for fundraising. So far, we have estimated the following:

-$5,220 for a full Neuro Eval / SPECT brain scan at the Amen Clinic (includes $450 travel cost)

-$1,300 tuition for trauma training curriculum at Discovering Mercy

-$4,050 for (1) 4-day in-person therapeutic intensive this spring/summer at Discovering Mercy in PA (includes $450 travel cost using frequent flyer points, free lodging)

-$2,430 for (9) months of (4) therapy appts per month – 1 with Discovering Mercy, 3 with local therapist co-pay

We are not huge fans of fundraising or using platforms like this, but after many years of therapy, in-patient adolescent programs, neuro-psych tests, school transfers, tutors, doctor's appts, medications, and well… our funds are depleted. Any amount you feel moved to give is appreciated. However, feel NO pressure to give if you are not led to do so. We understand that times are tough and know we aren't the only ones who have need. We trust the Lord to provide – not only financially, but also to continue to guide the healing process for Cassandra.

Cassie is in a place where she desperately wants to be healed and is very vested in her treatment. Several months ago, she didn't believe she could ever be well. Her mindset completely changed after we started counseling at Discovering Mercy. Even though this journey is difficult for our family, we are learning that hard doesn’t necessarily mean bad. We are filled with hope - even excitement - for the future. God is good, and He has great plans to prosper us and not to harm us, and to give us a hope and a future. Thanks for listening and for your prayers.

Love,

Rachel and Chris Dumont