David’s Story – A Journey Through Grief to Growth

David was only five years old when he lost his father during the COVID-19 pandemic. The world was already a confusing place in lockdown, but for David, the sudden absence of a parent created a silence that went far deeper than the quiet streets outside.

When David was referred to Unlocking Potential in Year 2, he was struggling in more ways than one. His confidence was low, his self-esteem fragile, and his grief unspoken. In the classroom, he sat quietly, afraid to raise his hand for help. At home, he bottled up his feelings—his sadness often showing itself as anger. His mother, navigating her own grief, felt helpless watching her son slowly retreat.

We began by offering David a 6xTalkTime intervention to give him a safe space to simply be heard. Through play, storytelling, and role play, David started to find his voice. It was in the smallest of moments—asking for help in class for the first time—that his journey began.

In Year 3, David continued to struggle emotionally. His teachers and mother still saw a little boy carrying a heavy emotional weight. He was referred for one-to-one therapy, where, week by week, a relationship of trust grew between him and his therapist. Through symbolic play, David began to express the pain of his father’s death. He explored his loss safely, using metaphors to communicate what words could not yet hold.

At the same time, David’s mother attended our parenting group. Like many parents who come through our doors, she carried a deep fear of not getting it right, especially after so much change and loss. With the support of the group, she found new ways to connect with David, to hold boundaries with love, and to recognise the meaning behind his behaviours.

The transformation didn’t happen overnight. But slowly, it came.

By the end of Year 3, David was smiling more. He began accepting when he made mistakes in class and could move forward without shame. He no longer lashed out at home but used his words to talk about his anger and sadness. For the first time, he could speak about his father—not through tears or silence, but with calm acceptance.

His teacher noticed. So did his mum.

Now in Year 4, David is thriving. He meets with his Therapy Team Manager for regular check-ins—spaces where he reflects on his successes, voices his worries, and continues building the emotional resilience he began cultivating all those months ago.

“The therapy really helped me feel better about my dad’s death and manage my feelings at home better,” David shared.
“I enjoy my check-ins because I can update the TTM on my successes and share any worries.”

His mum echoed that sentiment:

“The parenting group and support from the TTM has made such a positive impact on our family life. I can now set boundaries and understand my child’s needs better. Thank you so much.”

This is why we do what we do.

Behind every referral is a story. Behind every behaviour is a need. And behind every child like David is the potential to heal, to grow, and to thrive—if only someone listens, shows up, and gives them the space to feel safe enough to begin.