Elizabeth Cunningham is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with almost 40 years of experience as a practicing Social Worker and Clinical Therapist. As a former Clinical Director and Clinical Consultant of a multifunction child welfare organization, her work with families, children, and adults includes thousands of unique interactions. She has been honored to work and help many individuals grow into a healing continuum of health and growth. This essay reflects her belief in the innate capability for each of us to develop competencies in order to find solace, work towards recovery, and ultimately experience stability and joy. She understands the depth of pain people encounter in their many experiences in life and works to help them recover and find their authentic selves amidst the suffering. She sees each person as a beautiful prism and helps to empower them in their journey toward growth and healing.
Elizabeth Cunningham is the daughter of a Navy warrior who fought and served during World War II. His Navy transport ship brought back some of the first prisoners of war from Japan, many of whom suffered extreme trauma. He reminds us that “Freedom is not free.” As the daughter of a military veteran, duty to our country and service to others have been stalwart values. This book is dedicated to the American family, and particularly my father and other military or service personnel, who serve a cause greater than themselves. Those that serve will tell you that it doesn’t matter what politics or religion one has, they each work together and protect one another with their lives. We honor their combined sacrifice. Inspired by patriotism, this work is an attempt to cultivate values, personal competencies, and fully embrace our unique American identity so that peace and achievement may prevail.