During my last outpatient pediatrics clinic in residency, a patient and his mother reminded me that the therapeutic relationship can transcend language. I had been taking care of a young boy, whom I’ll refer to as “A,” since the beginning of his life. He had developmental delays and several other medical problems. His mother was the subject of domestic violence and consistently screened positive for food insecurity. Although she wanted to leave her abusive partner, she had no time to wo...
