After experiencing a significant loss, Kaylyssa’s mother turned to VOA Alaska for support, hoping to help her daughter navigate the overwhelming grief. At the time, Kaylyssa was in third grade, and the emotional weight was making it difficult for her to manage her emotions and stay focused in class.
Kaylyssa began receiving care from G, one of VOA’s School-Based Clinicians. Our School-Based Services program is designed to meet students exactly where they are—ready to help in moments like these. With licensed clinicians placed directly in schools throughout Anchorage, Kaylyssa and other students can quickly connect, or reconnect, with the right support.
For younger children, therapy often blends traditional talk therapy with creative, person-centered approaches. G used a combination of conversation, art, and music—tools that resonated with Kaylyssa. She discovered new coping strategies and found healing through music.
When asked about the role of music, she lights up, explaining how it continues to comfort her outside of therapy.
“It feels relaxing, and it also still feels like therapy, because a lot of times when I’m not at therapy, I’m [listening to] music. It’s my free therapy.”
She’s learned to play the drums and triangle, and hopes to learn the electric guitar next. “Music is my escape and therapy,” she says. “Music helps me heal.”
Now preparing for the transition to middle school, Kaylyssa is filled with both excitement and nervousness. She’s eager to join band and choir to dive deeper into her love for music. She also looks forward to participating in a book club and a club supporting queer youth.
Her middle school will have a VOA school-based clinician onsite, ensuring she’ll have continued support. But she’ll always remember the way G helped her through such a difficult time.
“[She’s taught me] it’s okay to have boundaries, and it’s okay to be different and have different opinions. And it’s okay to act on those boundaries.”
She credits G with teaching her invaluable coping skills, like breathing exercises and art-based self-expression, which have helped her find comfort and healing. Most importantly, therapy helped her look within and understand herself on a deeper level.
“[It] helped me figure myself out a lot,” she says. “And also look deeper into myself.”
