Cognitive Development Center 1202 Kirkman Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601

"My experience with Cognitive Development or Cognitive Management has been deeply disappointing and frustrating. As a mother, my priority is to create a stable and loving environment for my children, especially considering the limitations imposed by the court order that restricts our time together to only visits at this establishment. (I’ve seen my children 3-4 times since December 6, 2023 at the family sessions that they offer.) However, the atmosphere at the clinic often feels more like a job to the workers than a genuine effort to help families like mine. One of the counselors stands out for her rough demeanor, which is starkly different from what I expected from a 'counselor.' Instead of providing meaningful support, she frequently attempts to dictate my thoughts and actions, often twisting my words to fit her own agenda. For instance, she accused me of using a friend who occasionally helps me, which felt like a gross misinterpretation and a clear attempt to manipulate my situation to fit her narrative. The family counselor assigned to us seems more focused on assigning projects than on addressing the real underlying issues or considering the feelings of my children. While completing tasks can be beneficial, they should not take precedence over understanding our family dynamics and helping us heal and reconnect. The skills management counselor at the clinic stands out as exceptionally effective. She possesses a remarkable ability to empathize with various life situations, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of different perspectives rather than insisting on a singular "right" way. Her approach is characterized by encouraging words, an uplifting demeanor, and unwavering support. Despite her directness in highlighting areas needing improvement, she does so with a gentle touch, conveying the message that change is necessary without being harsh. Her presence is a beacon of positivity, and I often find myself wishing that all staff members at the clinic shared her approach and attitude! Despite my eagerness to be with my children and improve our family dynamic, my experience at Cognitive Development/Management has left me feeling unheard and undervalued! It's disheartening to feel like my voice doesn't matter and that the assistance provided is falling short of its intended goal. Given that Cognitive Development/Management operates in an African American environment, I had hoped for a better understanding of the unique challenges and dynamics that African American families face. Unfortunately, the support provided does not appear to meet the unique needs of our family to get back on track to reconnect, more so of keeping us at a distance. In conclusion, my time at Cognitive Development/Management has not proven to be fruitful or beneficial for my family, as I perceive it. I am hopeful that my feedback can play a role in bringing about improvements that genuinely support families facing similar challenges, ultimately benefiting families like mine in the future."