In therapy, healing tools often come in unexpected forms. For Jennifer, a therapist at Cunningham’s HopeSprings Counseling Services, Wade the betta fish is one such tool. Wade isn’t just a pet; he’s a vital part of Jennifer’s work, helping children with autism, ADHD and trauma make meaningful progress.
The idea was simple: many children find it easier to express emotions through a third party. Fish, with their calming presence, are often appealing. Jennifer introduced Wade with a naming contest among her young clients, and 13-year-old Marlee’s suggestion won. For Marlee, the connection was immediate.
“Marlee has a complex diagnosis and significant trauma,” Jennifer shared. “Building relationships has been hard for her, but Wade changed that. She was so excited when her choice became his name.”
Now, Wade travels with Jennifer to sessions across Champaign and Rantoul, acting as a calming presence and a way to externalize emotions. “When Marlee shuts down, I’ll ask, ‘How do you think Wade feels? Does he seem anxious or calm?’” Jennifer explained. “This helps her process feelings without it being overwhelming. “Marlee’s journey hasn’t been easy. She struggles with Persistent Avoidance Discordance (PAD), a condition tied to trauma that affects how she responds to directives. When she first started therapy, her behaviors were disruptive and even dangerous.
Through patience and family support, Marlee is improving. “We’ve helped her family provide a positive, supportive environment,” Jennifer said. “She’s making great progress.”
Wade’s impact extends beyond Marlee. He serves as a soothing anchor for other children and even some adults, helping shift negative thoughts into positive directions.
“He’s like a little anchor,” Jennifer said. “Even my adult clients check in on him.”
In his quiet way, Wade proves that small connections can lead to big breakthroughs.