Session 2 started on Time. Patient looked composed, at ease. She enquired the possibility of more frequent session, twice or thrice every week. “After the last session, I had many thoughts and questions on my Mind for the next few days which i felt like sharing. A week seems too long and I am lost now.” Therapist suggested, “Three times a week could feel too Intense and besides don’t you need space and time for your own Reflecting.!” The Duo agreed and settled for twice weekly sessions, with an optional session in between, in urgent situations of feeling very lost or dysfunctional.
“How does Therapy work, in your Experience?” She paused. Therapist answered,”Therapy does not work. We work. Therapy is a Process.!” We smiled at the yet unknown daunting Prospect. She resumed and narrated how she finds it difficult to be around men and woman colleagues. How she keeps to her tasks and avoids socializing informally with co-workers. How Pracrastination sometimes effects her work, especially when Changes and Transitions occur at her workplace, when new people are assigned to projects. “Relationships are easy to start, I find it tough to maintain them. Do you beleive in Karma, doctor?” The Therapist replied, “Karma for me, is Responsive Action. Why do you ask.?” Patient continued “I sometimes think Bad relationships are the result of previous Karmas. Bad things I did or may be i was just a Bad girl who did not deserve better…..” Therapist noticed her abrupt pause and the swallowing movement of her throat, as if she gulped an unpleasant memory. She briefly looked away, as if her moist eyes would give away the Mist of memories that floated across her mind, that moment. He pointed towards a glass of water, but she was quick to compose herself. “Do you feel like sharing your Relationship Matters.? Therapist facilitated. Patient Diverted, “I have been in dating relationships. Some were good men and it goes well when it is casual with no expectations. Emotional Intimacy makes me uncomfortable and something inside me freezes me and my mind wants to flee, abort and hide away. I end most relationships irrationally. Then I feel alone and miserable.” Therapist glanced at the Timer and felt awkward at the abrupt end to the Session, in such a sensitive moment. He re-composed himself and asked,” Do you feel well enough to attend work today.? Do you feel safe enough, within.?
Patient beamed a smile and stated, “I am beginning to Hope.” Session ended and he walked with her to the exit of the Treatment Room. Walking back into the Room, Therapist amused, “How many of us as Humans are forced to live Double Lives or multiple versions; one for the Self and other ones for the World. Do we yearn to feel like One Me, One Version.!”
Read next; What does Hope bring into the Therapy Process ?
** Dear friends, With this story, I am taking you through the process of therapy, the dynamics within and between the therapist and the patient and how they work in unison to find a solution.