From Lost to Found:

Tyrone’s Journey to Purpose

Introduction

Meet Tyrone, a 19-year-old from Geelong navigating the complex transition from high school to adulthood.

Diagnosed with autism, Tyrone faced feelings of being lost, bouts of depression, and a lack of purpose.

He aspired to find employment and build self-worth but was uncertain about where to begin.

This is the story of how Shake Counselling empowered Tyrone to overcome his challenges, embrace his identity, and create a fulfilling life.

Background

After graduating high school, Tyrone found himself at a crossroads:

•Identity Struggle: Unsure of his place in the world and how to contribute meaningfully.

•Self-Judgment: Harshly critical of his abilities, upbringing, and neurodivergent brain.

•Social Isolation: Difficulty connecting with peers and sharing personal thoughts.

•Emotional Challenges: Experienced bouts of depression and anxiety, exacerbated by his uncertainty about the future.

•Family Dynamics: Felt misunderstood by family members who struggled to relate to his experiences.

Goals

Working collaboratively, we established clear, personalised goals:

Clarify Personal Values and Aspirations:

•Identify what truly matters to Tyrone.

•Explore career interests and passions.

Develop Coping Strategies:

•Manage depressive episodes and anxiety.

•Reduce self-critical thoughts and increase self-compassion.

Enhance Social and Communication Skills:

•Improve interactions with others.

•Build confidence in social settings.

Achieve Employment:

•Prepare for job applications and interviews.

•Develop workplace skills and adaptability.

Our Approach

Over 12 weeks, Tyrone engaged in weekly sessions that combined evidence-based therapies with practical exercises:

Establishing a Therapeutic Alliance

Building Trust:

•Created a safe, non-judgmental space for Tyrone to express himself.

•Emphasised empathy and understanding of his unique experiences.

Active Listening:

•Allowed Tyrone to share his story without interruption.

•Validated his feelings and acknowledged his struggles.

Identifying Personal Values

Values Exploration Exercises:

•Used Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) techniques to help Tyrone identify his core values.

•Exercises included the “Values Card Sort” and “Life Compass” activities.

Best Possible Self Visualisation:

•Guided Tyrone through a visualisation of his ideal future self.

•Encouraged him to articulate specific goals and aspirations.

Cognitive Behavioural Techniques

Challenging Negative Thoughts:

•Introduced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) strategies to identify and reframe unhelpful thinking patterns.

•Worked on recognising automatic negative thoughts and disputing them with evidence.

Self-Compassion Practices:

•Taught techniques from Mindfulness-Based Therapies to cultivate kindness toward himself.

•Practices included self-compassion meditations and journaling.

Skill Development

Social Skills Training:

•Role-played common social scenarios, such as meeting new people or engaging in small talk.

•Discussed non-verbal cues, active listening, and assertive communication.

Interpersonal Effectiveness:

•Used Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) techniques to improve interactions.

•Focused on the DEAR MAN skill for making requests and saying no respectfully.

Employment Preparation

Resume and Cover Letter Assistance:

•Helped Tyrone create a professional resume highlighting his strengths and volunteer experiences.

Interview Coaching:

•Conducted mock interviews to prepare him for potential questions.

•Provided feedback on his responses and body language.

Job Search Strategies:

•Identified job opportunities aligned with his interests in technology and helping others.

•Discussed the pros and cons of different work environments.

Relationship Support

Navigating Personal Relationships:

•Offered a confidential space to discuss his romantic relationship, which he hadn’t shared with others.

•Explored attachment styles and how they influenced his interactions.

Resource Provision:

•Recommended podcasts and articles on attachment theory to deepen his understanding.

•Encouraged open communication with his partner.

Tyrone felt more equipped to navigate his relationship dynamics.

Self-Care and Stress Management

Developing a Self-Care Plan:

•Identified activities that rejuvenated him, such as reading, nature walks, and creative projects.

Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques:

•Practiced deep-breathing exercises and progressive muscle relaxation.

•Time Management Skills:

•Created schedules to balance work, personal time, and rest.

Outcomes

After 12 weeks, Tyrone made significant progress:

Secured Employment

Multiple Job Offers:

•Received job offers from three different employers in retail and customer service.

Transition to Work Life:

•Successfully adjusted to the demands of his new roles.

Feedback from Employers:

•Praised for his reliability, attention to detail, and positive attitude.

Enhanced Self-Worth and Identity

Increased Self-Acceptance:

•Embraced his neurodivergent identity as a strength rather than a limitation.

Reduced Self-Criticism:

•Noticed a decrease in negative self-talk.

Positive Self-Image:

•Began to see himself as capable and valuable.

Improved Coping Mechanisms

•Liam successfully used his new skills during his basketball grand final, contributing to his team’s victory.

•He expressed pride in his ability to manage stress during important moments.

Strengthened Relationships

Better Communication:

•Improved interactions with family and friends.

Relationship Growth:

•Navigated his romantic relationship with increased understanding and openness.

Social Engagement:

•Joined a local book club to connect with others who share his interests.

Increased Independence

Session Frequency Reduced:

•Progressed from weekly to fortnightly, then monthly sessions.

Self-Reliance:

•Demonstrated the ability to manage challenges independently.

Ongoing Growth:

•Continues to set new goals and strive for personal development.

Conclusion

Tyrone’s journey from feeling lost to finding purpose is a testament to his courage and dedication.

By embracing his identity and leveraging his strengths, he transformed his life.

Shake Counselling provided the support, tools, and guidance, but it was Tyrone’s commitment to growth that made the difference.

Key Takeaways

Personalised Goals Drive Success:

•Tailoring objectives to individual values and aspirations enhances motivation.

Holistic Approach Facilitates Change:

•Combining cognitive, behavioural, and mindfulness techniques addresses multiple facets of well-being.

Empowerment Leads to Independence:

•Building skills and confidence enables individuals to navigate life autonomously.

Supportive Relationships Matter:

•A strong therapeutic alliance and open communication foster trust and progress.

Could Shake Counselling Help Your Teen?

If Tyrone’s story resonates with you or someone you know, we’re here to help. At Shake Counselling, we specialize in personalized, compassionate support for individuals facing similar challenges.

•Our Services Include:

•Individual Therapy: Tailored one-on-one sessions.

•Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: Embrace your thoughts and feelings without judgment.

•Dialectical Behaviour Therapy: Develop skills to manage emotions and relationships.

•Body-Based Therapy: Incorporate physical movement into healing.

•Contact Us to Start Your Journey:

•Phone: 0422 868 258

•Email: shakecounselling@outlook.com

•Website: shakecounselling.org/contact-us/