Metaphors have a way of tapping into our collective unconscious. We might not know why certain images or words mysteriously resonate with an unspoken feeling within us, but many do. It’s like harmonious music soothing our souls. we know not why – only that it does.
When certain words evoke or identify an heretofore unconscious feeling, there is a release of inner energy; a communion of one with humanity seems to occur. I had such an experience a few summers ago while I was jogging along the Pacific Coast and saw hundreds of shells spewed along the beach. They seemed like angel wings – only they were all broken. And these broken angel wings made me think of may of the children with whom we work who I believe are like angels sent to us from God.
But angels are supposed to be able to fly straight and far, and have the ability to gracefully swoop down from the stars at the whim of a thought. And angels should be able to laugh easily, know that they are loved for their intrinsic goodness and never experience fear from others. Baby angels should be able to soar among the clouds and be able to see into the hearts of others. And they are supposed to spread peace and love among us.
But for unknown reasons some angels have broken wings. These angels don’t laugh easily, their smiles are void of warmth, and their eyes are cold or perhaps numb from what they have seen, or have tried to shut out. They cry and scream from the early pain they have had to endure because of their vulnerability and helplessness. And just as the shells in the ocean have been thrown up on the beach, so too have these angels felt abandoned and discarded
Many of these angels with broken wings are embraced by foster or adoptive parents who spend hours and millions of tears trying to help these children. Yet their only reward is to have these children turn their misdirected rage against them. To these foster and adoptive parents, our heroes and heroines of the day, goes our belief that they are silently participating in a miracle.
Author: Lawrence B. Lennon, Ph.D.
Reprinted from: Indy’s Child, December 1996
Our Intensive Trust and Bonding Treatment Program, operates within the Family Bonding and Attachment Center. This specialized service was developed to offer parents and child advocates a more effective and cost efficient alternative to traditional psychiatric inpatient and residential placements.
Children and adolescents sometimes experience emotional and behavioral difficulties within their families. Through family-friendly strategies our therapists’ help children learn to assume personal responsibility for their behavior, develop empathy and compassion for others, and appreciate the loving guidance of their parents. 
For students who are not achieving the academic successes they are capable of, our counselors can be of assistance. It is our belief that ALL students with average ability are capable of receiving A’s and B’s in every subject when they choose to learn to concentrate, organize, and work hard. 
Psychological evaluations are helpful. In providing pertinent information about a person’s intelligence, personality traits, emotional functioning, cognitive processes, and academic achievement levels. L & K offers a full range of psychological, personality projectives, and psycho-educational tests with written summaries of each, and specific recommendations.