Below are some stories from our patients. While we've changed the names to keep their privacy, the events, struggles, and successes are real. We hope you'll find some inspiration in them too.
Fred,
A quick update on M. Today is day 6 with no medicine!!!!! Now the jury
is still out, but he seems to be handling it well. I think he is
adjusting to making all of his decisions without a stimulant crutch,
like knowing when to go to the bathroom (about 1 accident a day for
the last 2 days), and getting a handle on impulsive behavior (not bad
just different). All and all, he is sweet and concerned about doing
well in school without his medication. Yesterday was his first day in
school, he had an accident wetting himself and one incident with a
little impulsive actions that got his card changed, but otherwise a
great day. The best news about both of these issues is that he handled
the accident and the punishment appropriately - humble and accountable.
I know in a few years when M is a teenager and can really reflect on his life, he will thank you for giving him a life that he can truly enjoy. With the ability to love and be loved, to understand joy and to truly be joyful, and to have friends and understand how to be a friend. You may have to wait to here M's heart felt appreciation. A and I thank you today from the core of our hearts, you are our friend, you have brought joy back to our family, and we love you.
Our son, Sam, went from being a wonderfully fun, light-hearted boy to a moody, angry, obese, angry ten year old. Our family was struggling to find the right help for him. We had tried a child counselor and a psychologist and Sam had adamantly refused to go back to either one. When a friend recommended Dr. Starr we were reticent to try a psychiatrist and with some trepidation I set up an appointment for Sam to meet Dr. Starr.
After the first meeting Sam agreed to work with Dr. Starr. The office was warm and open and Sam loved Josie, the office dog. Dr. Starr’s straightforward demeanor made Sam feel comfortable when talking about his problems. Starr started Sam in a traditional treatment mode including testing, talk therapy and medication. Sam responded well. Eventually Dr. Starr recommended group therapy for Sam. The group sessions were held in the same comfortable atmosphere and Sam felt right at home. He never missed a session and we could see the improvement in him. Our son was coming back to us.
As Sam started to wind down his conventional therapy Dr. Starr suggested we try neurotherapy. My husband and I were a bit hesitant simply because we were completely unfamiliar with neurotherapy. Dr. Starr provided us with literature and he and his staff spent time answering our questions and educating us. Dr. Starr had accurately diagnosed and treated our son; if he believed Sam would benefit from this treatment we were willing to give it a try.
It has been three years since we first walked in to Dr. Starr’s office. Sam is off all medications and has been officially discharged from Dr. Starr’s care. He is the fabulous boy he once was….just older and wiser. We are filled with gratitude for Dr. Starr and his staff. He gave us back our son.