Butterflies: A Metaphor for the Recovery Process

Continuing a summer tradition, the teachers and patients at The Emily Program’s Durham and Atlanta facilities are watching the metamorphosis of caterpillars to butterflies in our classrooms this month. These furry little creatures go through a great deal of change in two short weeks, similar to the remarkable changes our patients make during their recovery process.

During the academic year, the patients are able to maintain progress in their school’s coursework with licensed teachers in our fully equipped classrooms. However, during the summer months, we get to have a bit of fun in science and art. The highlight of the summer is our metamorphosis unit, when we dig deeper to learn about this dramatic change the insects go through, observe them closely, and paint our own butterflies in the classroom.

First, small cups of tiny, furry caterpillars enter the facility. We watch the caterpillars eat, getting bigger and stronger each day. They then climb to the top of the cups and form tough shells with golden armor. Within a week, we watch them emerge as beautiful, bright creatures. They spend a few days surrounded by flowers, enjoying watermelon or oranges the patients feed them. Finally, the patients release them outside.

The child and adolescent patients are similarly going through a process as they learn to eat for strength and energy, be still and mindful, and allow meaningful changes to happen to their minds and bodies on the path to recovery. The butterflies are a beautiful metaphor for this journey, and our Education Team is honored to be able to walk alongside our patients for a small part of their experience.

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