We recently connected with Courtney Meadows and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Courtney, thanks for joining us today. We love heartwarming stories – do you have a heartwarming story from your career to share?

For confidentiality, I changed names and identifying information: Daniel was five years old when his mother experienced a manic episode, threatening a social worker in a high-speed chase, and ending with a law enforcement stand-off. Daniel was in the car at the time. Child protective services sent him and his three year old sister, Elaina, to live with their grandmother. After a brief stay in jail, his mother was released, and a team formed to assist their safe reunification. I provided therapy to both Daniel and his family.

During a family session, I told the story of “The Three Billy Goats Gruff,” inviting everyone to make sound effects as the goats clip-clopped across the bridge and ultimately defeated the troll, reaching safety and food together on the other side. Then, they reenacted the story. Daniel and his parents became differently-sized goats, and I helped Elaina hunch and growl as a “big mean troll.” Each ‘goat’ attempted to confront the troll, crossing the blanket “bridge” to the other side of the room, until Daniel’s mother, playing the big protective goat, defeated the troll by tickling her off the bridge. They cheered, sitting down as themselves, and began sharing.

I asked Daniel, “how did you feel when mommy protected you?” He whispered, “I was scared bad men were coming.” Shifting from the story to real life, Daniel described a recurring nightmare of the police taking him away from his mother. He said “I was scared. They were going to shoot us!” I sat beside Daniel and said, “I was afraid we were going to die. I was afraid I wouldn’t get to see you, mommy.” Daniel’s eyes widened, “I was so scared!” he cried. I reassured, “see your mommy over there? She’s here now. That scary time with the police is over, and you’re safe now.” Reaching for a hug, his mother embraced him and said, “I’m so sorry. That’s never going to happen again.”

Daniel’s mother and father found support and made changes – they became sober, participated in regular therapy, and began reconciling with other family members. Eventually, Daniel and Elaina returned home with their parents. I continued sessions and witnessed their relationships evolve as they asked more feeling questions, parented playfully, and shared a deep love for one another.

Courtney, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

You don’t need a theatre background to experience drama therapy, but I happen to have one. Acting, directing, and playwriting in college and community theatre gave me belonging, playful imagination, and empathy. I bring that experience into my practice as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and registered drama therapist (RDT). It’s a delight to watch folks- no matter their age- discover the transformative power of art and role-play. Trauma and chronic stress can block our ability to find words, recall memories, and feel connected with our bodies. By intentionally weaving talk therapy with experiential methods like drama therapy and psychodrama, the whole body is invited into healing. This allows the nervous system to shift from “fight, flight, and freeze” responses to a grounded connectedness- both within the body and in relationship with others. Though hard work, it’s also play; a co-created journey, finding wellbeing and joy.

Outside office and theatre hours, I participate in community organizing, I’ve served on the executive council for the American Society of Group Psychotherapy and Psychodrama (ASGPP), I wrestle with my faith and spirituality, run alongside rivers, continue education and learning, and I’m committed to working on my own healing.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Listening to, accepting, and celebrating my body has been a challenge most of my life. When I began working at a domestic violence agency, I lost my appetite and rapidly lost weight. It had been years since a relapse. Psychodrama taught me the relentless question, “When did this happen before?” I remembered. When I lived at home. I felt like a child again, hearing eerily similar stories from women physically, emotionally, and spiritually beaten down by their partners.

When I was a teenager and in my early twenties, I felt relief by restricting what and how much I ate. And subconsciously, it felt like the only way to get care. My grades were perfect. I performed in community theatre. I worked part-time tutoring, babysitting, and clerking at a grocery store – all in a grand plan to save up and escape home. “You’re going to do amazing things someday,” teachers, family, church members said. I felt like I was only asked, “is something wrong?” when I was thin and depressed. They probably checked in more, but that’s what I remember. My period stopped for three years. I fainted, fell asleep in class, and snapped at friends. But I graduated with honors. First in my family. While unwell and desperately frustrated.

I’m embarrassed by how long it took me to see a therapist. I didn’t fully commit until I married my kind, gentle, and insightful, let’s-go-walking-with-the-cats, husband. It was for both of us. And as I began sharing stories of growing up, noticed sensations, and expressed emotions, I felt unburdening. Especially when these stories unfolded in psychodramas. Being a part of a loving community continues to repair my sense of safety, belonging, and hope for the future. So when I’m ambushed by disappearing appetite and an urge to restrict rather than nourish myself, I breathe through it, ask for help, and listen.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Find a supportive community. Working in mental healthcare will bring you clients who poke fingers at all of your wounds. Your own therapist can help sort through a lot of that – and, you need folks who simply reflect your preciousness. I’m grateful that wherever I am – various agencies and/or private practice – I’m a part of groups who tell stories with great animation, hike through forests and cow pastures, sing with heart rather than with tune, send cryptic texts and emails, and welcome my full self. It’s being intentional beyond training or knowledge. We heal and grow together.

Contact Info:

• Website: weavingembers.com
• Facebook: facebook.com/courtney.meadows918 ; facebook.com/weavingembers918
• Youtube: @weavingembers

Image Credits
Jessica Chang (2 photos)