Jennifer started taking pills at the young age of 13 and has battled with addiction issues since then. Her boyfriend, Ryan, was also dealing with his own struggles. "I have kids and I want a good life for them," said Jennifer. "I don't want them to have to live and watch me be on drugs."
After a report was made to Crawford County Children and Youth Services (CYS), Jennifer and Ryan's lives began to change. Jennifer's CYS worker recommended Family Behavior Therapy at Family Services of NW PA to help with coping skills and strengthen her relationships.
Jennifer and Ryan enrolled in Family Behavior Therapy, an evidence-based program that helps treat parents and caregivers struggling with substance abuse by helping accomplish goals that are consistent with a drug-free, healthy, and prosperous life. A therapist visits the family's home weekly to provide services.
Tiffany, the therapist assigned to work with Jennifer and Ryan, was a breath of fresh air for the young family. "I'm really lucky that I got such a cool therapist," said Jennifer. "I love Tiffany." With hard work and consistent support from Tiffany, Jennifer and Ryan were able to make great strides in their journey to a happier and healthier life together.
"It made us aware of what we were doing and how we were doing things so that we were more conscientious of how we were treating one another," said Ryan. "Before, we never gave it any thought and now we think things through and try to treat each other with respect and kindness."
Jennifer and Ryan both agree that the Family Behavior Therapy program at Family Services of NW PA had a positive impact on their family. "It's hard to imagine where we would be without it," said Ryan. "And I don't want to."
