Before coming up with the title "Green Fox Counseling" I considered approximately hundreds of other names, but nothing seemed to fit. The names were either too generic or seemed to lack any personal connection. Finally, I decided to stop and think about what's most important when it comes to therapy, and the answer was simple: the clients. So what was a name I could use that would have significance in my work with clients? I thought and thought and eventually the story of Green Fox came to mind. 

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(Story told with client and parent permission)

Years ago, I began working with a young client who, at the time, was suffering from terrifying delusions and hallucinations. Almost all of the thoughts and images in his mind were dark and caused him great discomfort, except for one...Green Fox. Green Fox was this young boy's companion and his friend, his reminder that things were going to be okay. Naturally, when it came time to address his mental health through the aid of medications, the boy was hesitant; understandably, he didn't want to lose Green Fox. In the end, the client did get on medication and while he began to quickly make progress, he was sad about the loss of his friend Green Fox. 

 

In order to help him feel more comfortable, the boy's aunt handmade him a blanket of green foxes while his mom sent in a picture the boy had drawn of Green Fox to a company that turned the picture into a stuffed animal. With these, the boy was able to stay on medications and continue to make progress while still holding onto the comfort that Green Fox had always offered him. 

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Green Fox can no longer be seen, but he will never be forgotten. To me, Green Fox is a symbol of hope; he's a reminder of that even when life throws seemingly impossible circumstances your way, all you need is a small light in the darkness to help you get through.