Falling For His Therapist

Getting a New Client

After a long fifteen minutes the session has ended and yes I'm still alive. And he's been ignoring most of my questions, or making mean remarks. To so much I'm starting to question everything. Maybe life is getting in the way of my profession. It usually isn't this hard to talk to someone. I've met difficult clients before, some like, but today it was as if I was lost.

“Thank you Mr. Vulture. That will be all for today," I say wrapping up the session almost with relief it's all over. “ Is the anything—”

He cuts me off before I even get to finish." Bout time, “ he grunts surfacing from the couch.

“Have a nice day," I mutter even though knowing he didn't want hearing the sound of my voice anymore.

“If I ever see your face again, it'll be too soon," he mumbles under his breath but enough for me to make out what he was saying. Before I could say anything else, he's already at the door, banging it as he live.

I breath out my tiredness, leaving the office, to make myself some coffee. Preferably very strong.

" So how did it go? “ I find Jane already preparing one for herself.

" Exactly as you'd expect, “ I respond pouring sugar into my cup. " He wouldn't even tell me anything. Except how terrible of a therapist I am, how bored he was, and how much of his time we were wasting, “ I pour the coffee into my cup.

" Don't let him get to your head. Just give him time, it's normal for clients to fill uncomfortable on their first session," she says pouring milk into her cup.

" I hope so... “ I let out a silent moan. Feeling extremely deflated.

" Milk? “ she offers looking at me with concern.

" No I'm I need it as strong as it gets , “ I refuse stirring my cup before bringing it to my lips.

" C'mon Amelia. Don't let one bad session bring you down. You already know you're capable. Everyone here looks up to you, “ She claims, but I look away into the empty space. Maybe he's right, I'm not cut out for this. Especially with everything going on in my life.

" Im not saying I'm giving up. It's just that... “ I pause thinking of way to word my feelings.

“ Well I'm sure whatever it is you'll push through. That's what I love about you. You're strong," she encourages, with a tiny smile in her face.

“Thank you. I'll keep that in mind," my voice comes out monotone.

“Please," she then walks away leaving me with my thoughts. I stand silently still sipping my coffee. Hoping I'm as strong as they thinks I am.

After few long moments I find myself striding towards Priya's office. It's completely open, and certain that the meeting has ended.

A beautiful woman sits inside, her velvet lashes shadowing her eyes, as she's focused in the laptop in front of her. Her cobalt black hair, strapped in a tight ponytail, exposing her sharp jawline.

“Amelia. Come in," she invites me still focused on her laptop.

“Morning Priya. How was the meeting?" I ask.

“ Business as usual. So... How did your session go?" She looks looks up from her laptop to catch my expression.

“ About that—”

" It can't be that bad. “ She says resoundingly shocked.

" So are you gonna tell me anything about him? Because I got nothing , “ I slide the file in front of her. She slightly glances at the file before lifting her eyes to me.

" You know I don't discuss clients, “ she finally responds. I c**k my ridge folding my arms above my chest. She sighs. " What seems to be the problem ?"

“I don't know, he wouldn't tell me anything. Haven't you spoken to him?." I rest my arms, taking a sit right in front of her.

" Well he didn't tell me either. Maybe you should give him sometime. It's normal for clients to feel uncomfortable on their first session, “ she says. I know that. But I don't know, about me feeling uncomfortable.

" I understand that. But he couldn't stop complaining about how I was wasting his time, and how boring the session was, “ I recall as I slump back on the chair.

“ Typical. He's a businessman. That's how they all feel. Time is money, and blah blah, “ she responds typing in her keyboard.

" He threatened to snap my head if I didn't shut up.“

" His father did mention he has anger issues. But I can assure he won't cause any harm, “ she replies. Still doesn't make me safe around him. There's this thing about him, that says you don't wanna get on his bad side.

" And he couldn't stop telling me, how bad of a therapist I am,” I cry. Priya sighs as with a tired expression.

“ Don't let him make you doubt your experience Amelia. And he problably said that to the others too.“

“ Either way, I don't think I can survive another session with him.“

“ About that. I know i already said I will take care of it. But…”

“ C'mon Priya. Not now,” I cry pleadingly.

“I know it seems too much. And believe me understand . But I really need your help Amelia, “ she says with pleading eyes.

“ But why? “ I ask dejected. I really wasn't hoping for this at all.

“ Look something important came up. And requires my services,”she explain.

Curious I ask' “ and what would that be?“

“ A child. She's been going through a lot lately. Depression, attempted suicide. And they were hoping I can find out whats going on and help her. I will be gone for a few days, and I need to take over while I'm gone,“ she explains. But I'm still not happy about this. I would gladly do it any other time, but now I'm not really fit for this.

“I understand but..."

“You already know Amelia I would put you in a situation I thought you couldn't handle. Besides, helping these people will be good for our business, “ she states.

" And the child? “ I question.

" Ohh don't get me wrong Amelia. I do care about the child. It's the whole reason I started this business, to help people. But you also have to know, I'm running a business, it's not a charity program. And if we want to continue in business, we do need to maintain our good reputation and status, “ she spells out. “ Look if it doesn't go well with this guy, then I'll let him go. But you have to at least try," she encourages, almost that I can't refuse. Even though, I don't feel good about it, I can't refuse helping someone. And I can't say Priya shouldn't help this little girl, I'd be selfish if I even thought about that.

" It's going to be fine Amelia. You have nothing to worry about. And I'll call to make sure everything is alright ,” she says.

" Thanks, it just that I don't even know where to start," I whine.

" I know you'll figure something out. And I promise to help you, in any way I can. Okay?“ she assures me gently squeezing my hand.

" Alright. I'll try," I give out a tiny smile.

" That's what I want to hear. Now go get ready for your next appointment. I don't like seeing your face so sour, and I believe our clients feel the same way,” she smiles. I chuckle standing up to live.

" I guess I'll see you later,” I bid my farewell and she nods as I turn around headed for the exit. I got to my office, to sit in silence as I try to clear my mind of everything that happened today. And not think about what will happen tonight.

I look in the file of my next client. Mrs. Dayton, a middle aged lady. Not much of a social life. And she seems to have problems in her marriage.

Time went by, and it was soon time for our appointment. I find the lady already awaiting my arrival. She seems like a sweet woman. She gives me a smile, the moment she notices me entering the door.

“Good Morning. My name is Julian, but you you can call my Julie," she introduces herself.

“ I'm very happy to finally meet you Julie. My name is Amelia Summers and I'll be happy to be at your assistance. Any questions you have,I'll be glad to answer. Other than that, make yourself comfortable,” I smile, taking my sit.

" Thank you. I already read you're really good at what you do. And I can really use your help, “ she says. Cups of tea and cookies are already set on the table, with boiling water.

" Do you mind telling me what seems to be the problem, “ I proceed, pouring water into the cups, and giving her one.

" Thank you, “ she smiles. " You see my husband and I have been going through some difficulties. And I think he's cheating on me, “ she utters her words in a mewling expression, staring at the hot liquid.

" And what makes you feel that he's cheating on you? “ I impose her melancholy, listening intently.

She exhales, her eyes still on the cup, seeming deep in thought." You see... He's been very distant lately...“ she pauses to breathe. " He barely even talks to me. And then I see him flirting with those young girls... Maybe I'm not good enough anymore. We used to be so in love, but now he barely even looks at me, “ she continues in a low broken voice.

" I very sorry to hear that."

" It's not your fault. I'm just no longer as beautiful as I used to be. And those young girls are more beautiful, with young energy,” she adds. That's really sad to hear and she seems like such a sweet lady. And it's not uncommon, that couples leave each other, for younger people. It's as if they didn't know their partners will get old, and looks fade with time. Why even get married if you can't accept that about the person you say you love.

" Well can you recall when the problem started? “ I prie searching for the soul of the problem. Even though I can, almost guess, but I can always be wrong.

" Well I don't know exactly. About two months back, I just noticed him starting to grow very distant. I even convinced Garrick tried to talk to him, but he just shut him out. He just... He doesn't love me anymore, “ she sobbs, I can almost see the tears in her eyes before she blinks them back.

“ I'm very sorry Julie, that sounds awful,” I respond in a flat voice, understand her pain. It's not easy to lose someone you love.

“It is," she nods, sipping her tea.

“And what's your relationship with Garrick may I ask?" I question but curious.

“ Ohh Garrick is such a nice man. He's my neighbors. He moved to our neighborhood a few months back," she almost sounds cheerful as she mentions him. They must be really close with Garrick.

“ And so you say you tried to have Garrick talk to him."

“I don't understand why he wouldn't talk to him. He's such a nice guy. He wouldn't hurt a fly," she explains.

“How well would you say you know Garrick?"

“ Well we met a few months ago, at the supermarket. And I learned we were neighbors. And he asked me to show him around town. And I agreed since I don't have many friends, and I'm always home alone while my husband goes to work and my kids are at school until noon. Even the kids like him, he's such a playful person. We'd go together with the kids to the park sometimes. He's always helping people in the neighborhood. If you need to repair anything, he'll do for free,” she smiles as she tells the story.

" Mr Garrick sounds like a kind man," I claim, and she nods approvingly.

“He is indeed.“

" So have tried to talk to your husband? Get to know what's the problem, “

" I did, many times. He doesn't want to talk to me. When he comes home from work, he just goes to bed, and eats sometimes , I even tried to convince him to come today but he refused. I'm worried, that even the kids are suspecting something is wrong with their father. I just don't know what to do anymore.“

" And may I ask how was your relationship with your husband before."

“Everything was good. We were happy, and all of the sudden he started to change. He'd come home, and we'd enjoy dinner as a family. We'd laugh, have a good time. He'd always tell me how much he loves me. Now even in the morning he just disappears to work. He doesn't even eat breakfast," she cries, saddened. “ I love my husband you know. And I don't want to lose him. That's why I'm willing to do anything to save our marriage. And I also don't want to my kids to grow without their father. He has been the best father to my kids and a great husband too. He's loving, funny, and always makes time for his family. He's always working hard, making sure we have everything we need," she continues sobbish.

“ I understand that you feel that way. It's not always easy seeing the people we love slipping away. And it's a good sign that you're looking for help. It shows you really love and care about your family," I note.

" I really love my family. And I'm not ready to lose that. But right now I'm confused. What do you think I should do? “

" Well have thought that, maybe your husband is jealous? “ I question to her shock.

" Jealous !?" She retorts amazed. Though with the information it was much possible. I've seen people, get jealous when their partner is suddenly spending time with someone else, especially of they are of the opposite gender.

“ Well you did say he started to change only two months ago. And you've been friends with your new Neighbor Garrick for a few months now. He might feel like, he's being replaced by Garrick," I tell, she still looks shocked processing the news.

“But there's nothing going on between me and Garrick. I love my husband, and respect him, I would never do such a thing," she exclaims.

“Well he doesn't know. And like you say, he's always at work. So he couldn't know what's happening during the day," I try to make her understand. Her shock, shifts to a sad expression.

“ But I always thought he trusts me. We've been together for twenty years," she cries, clouded with sadness.

“ Trust can be broken Julie, you can't be too certain about someone not matter how close they are to your heart. And try to look at this from his point of view. You say you don't have many friends, and all of the sudden Mr Garrick shows up. You even said the kids like him. Don't you think he feels like his family is being stripped away from him? “ I claim, and she considers.

" I see. But what about the girls? The girls he's been flirting with, “ she mumbles, deep in thought.

" I'm not saying he's not cheating on you, and my observations may be wrong. But maybe he's just trying to make you jealous,” I tell her.

" But would he want that? “

" Well people react differently on different situations. The fear of being replaced, can make a person to try and make you jealous, to prove a point. But it can dangerous thing, manipulating someone's feelings just so you can get what you and it us definitely very wrong to do. The other person might be clueless what they are doing is hurting someone, leading into confusion. Hurtin their feelings, breaking their trust, and might lead to hatred. That's why communication is very important in a relationship. It's important to let other person know when they are hurting you, and try to find a solution to the problem that benefits both sides, “ I explain to her, examining her reaction.

" But he doesn't want to talk to me, “ she reminds.

" And that's why I'm here to help you. And hopefully we can get your husband to come on our next session, “ I give her an assuring smile.

The session continues on, answering some of Julie's question, and finding a way she can effectively confront her husband about what we talked about.

And soon the day has flung by, and it was time to go home. In time for me to think about tonight's dinner.