A Violent Home Life and Severe Learning Problems

Francisco was one of my earliest clients. At the time when I first consulted with him, he was a boy of nearly 13 years of age with severe learning difficulties, hardly able to read or write. He suffered from continual nightmares and bed-wetting. Francisco’s home life was very violent with an alcoholic father and a depressive mother. His father resorted to beating family members for the slight-est reason.

When I first saw Francisco, it was following a traumatic fight with his father, in which he tried to protect his mother from being beaten. His physical appearance was stocky and strong, but unkempt. He was not socially present or embodied, and he was unexpressive. He answered all my questions with, “Don’t know.” I asked him to draw anything he would like. After a short period of reluctance, he drew a tiny boy in the middle of the page. This drawing showed me clearly how withdrawn he was from his body and soul. His self-portrait covered only a small portion of the large paper and it was composed of non-flowing blocks and rectangles. (See drawing below.)

My first strategy was to heal his emotional trauma and re-instill life force in his body and confidence in his soul. (At that time the range of flower essences available to the center was more limited. For cases similar to Francisco’s, especially involving urinary disturbances, I now include St. John’s Wort in my therapeutic approach.)

During the first two months the flower essences used were: Clematis, Chestnut Bud, Mimulus, Rock Rose, Cherry Plum, Chicory, Scleranthus, Gentian, Crab Apple, Honeysuckle and Holly. In addition to emotional support from the above remedies, a Learning Formula of Rosemary, Shasta Daisy, and Peppermint was also used.

Dramatic Improvement

Francisco showed dramatic improvement in just one month. He was present, alert, and tried to answer my questions with sentences other than “Don’t know.” He was completely free from his former nightmares and bed-wetting episodes. Francisco was very impressed with the results and was very willing to continue treatment with me. He was so captivated by the flower medicines, that he wanted to draw a picture of a flower fairy. This picture is more expressive than his first one, with the arms opening to the world. However, a badge is still over the heart area. (See drawing below.)

In the third month, his mother consulted with me. She was very pleased to report that she also noticed the remarkable developments in Francisco, and she confirmed that his urinary disturbances remained completely resolved both at home and in school. One interesting note was that the teachers reported Francisco was no longer withdrawn and, in fact, was speaking too much in class, sometimes being very demanding of attention. These swings in soul mood with flower essence therapy are typical, as the soul seeks to establish a new balance. Also, Francisco had improved in his writing skills but still remained slow in reading.

The flower essences used for Francisco during this time were: Clematis, Chestnut Bud, Mimulus, Holly, Cherry Plum, Rock Rose, Crab Apple, Chicory, Heather, Vervain, Cerato, Larch, Wild Oat and Blackberry. The Learning Formula of Rosemary, Shasta Daisy and Peppermint was also continued.

Standing on Solid Earth

Francisco Begins Art Lessons

After a break in the school year for several months, Francisco returned and was also able to begin art lessons. I was asked to formulate a new set of flower essences to help him prepare for the new school year.

Francisco reported that he was delighted with his art lessons and his teacher. Also, his home environment was calmer. His father had stopped drinking and his mother was also receiving therapy at Núcleo. I have noted that quite often, when one member of the family system begins to heal, the portal is opened for others to also grow and change.

Francisco expressed the wish to draw a portrait of me. Once again I could feel the projection of his soul in the drawing, and his feeling about my work with him through the flowers. This picture suggested his happiness as he continued to grow and be nourished by the life forces of nature. He drew me standing on the green earth with flowers on either side, embraced by trees and a shining sun, and a little rabbit. Elements of light and air are streaming though my hair.

The flowers used for Francisco during this time included Walnut, Agrimony, Clematis, Chestnut Bud, Elm, Hornbeam, Gentian, Cerato, Heather, Mimulus, Crab Apple, Holly, Scleranthus, Wild Oat, Blackberry, the Learning Formula (Rosemary, Shasta Daisy and Peppermint) and Five-Flower Formula (Star of Bethlehem, Impatiens, Clematis, Cherry Plum and Rock Rose). Manzanita was also used for him a few weeks later.

Following these sessions, Francisco showed remarkable stability and was able to discontinue all therapies at Núcleo Mãe Maria, including flower essence therapy. He now sees me only for “calibration” sessions, to maintain the good results he has achieved.

Felicidade  — Francisco’s Happiness as an Artist

Francisco flourished in his art work as well as other school work. By the end of the year, he had his first opportunity for a public show in Campinas. Francisco’s art work captivated the public. His heart shines in a pure and simple way through his creative expressions, evoking beauty and innocence. Since his debut, Francisco has taken part in other exhibitions throughout the city. His artwork is so popular that it sells out immediately.