The "psycho"therapist - session 2

 

    Scene 2 : Session 2

Client walks in, face filled with resolve and determination – forces a smile at the therapist. Therapist nods, looking wise and objective.

          

Client: Good afternoon! How are you today?

Therapist (in a serious tone): You sure look cheerful today.

Client: Yeah…I took your advice from last time…I am trying to be more positive now.

Therapist: hmmm…

Client: In fact, I also followed the sleep hygiene you told me about. I switch off my phone by 10. I still can’t sleep. I watch TV and eat ice cream if I feel too restless. But I switch off my phone.

Therapist (sullenly): Well...That’s not really following my advice correctly but I can give you the benefit of doubt.

Client (hesitating): But what worked for me is that I think I am feeling much better now.

Therapist nods without any expressions.

Client: A couple of days ago, my boss shouted at me for a very simple mistake. Usually, I would get very stressed about it. But this time, I was positive and focused on the other things I had done right. I felt so proud of myself!

Therapist looks worried and shakes his head.

Client: What happened? You don’t look happy with what I said.

Therapist: I’m afraid there’s nothing for you to be happy about. Your situation just got a little worse.

Client (frowning): Why? What did I do wrong?

Therapist: You seem to have slipped into a phase of denial. In fact, it is not healthy to ignore your mistakes and then justify it, saying that the mistake was a simple one. Would you find it acceptable if I tell you something incorrect and then tell myself that it was a simple mistake? It is very important for you to take responsibility for who you are and what you do, isn't it? 

Client: ohhh....I didn't think of it that way. What I understood from last time was that I should learn to look at the bright side of life.

Therapist: See...here is another problem - not understanding correctly and assuming things and then blaming me for what happened...

Client: But I didn't blame you! I...

Therapist (interjecting): Denial again...look here...If you want to continue getting better then you must start taking responsibility for your actions.

Client lowers head in shame. 

Therapist (sounding more cheerful now): So what do you want to talk about today?

Client is quiet, still feeling shame after being reprimanded.

Therapist: So you are going to sulk now? Suit yourself. I am going to get myself a hot chocolate and because you are sulking, you won't get one until you cheer up.

Client (looks up): Sorry...I am wondering what to talk about. There are so many things. Can you help me choose a topic?

         Therapist: In your first session, you said you had so many problems - just pick one! 

Client: hmmm....

         Therapist heads out to get hot chocolate, returns with one mug.

Client: Can I ask you for a favour?

Therapist: Well...the client-therapist relationship is strictly professional. I am not allowed to do any favours...nor am I allowed to take any...so..

Client: No..no...it's not a big deal, I promise...

Therapist: See! you are assuming again...how can you say it's not a big deal...maybe it is...for me..

Client: I just was wondering if I could get a hot chocolate too?

Therapist: Is that it? you want a hot chocolate? Why did you call that a favour? I am not your parent or teacher. You don't have to ask my permission to get a cup of hot chocolate. If you want it, go get it.

Client: But you only said a while ago that I won't get one today.

Therapist: Blaming me, again! ok...let's get this clear...I think there is only one way to drive home this point of taking responsibility and not blame others.

Client looks down, avoiding eye contact - feeling totally embarrassed.  

Therapist: You are going to write something for me today.

Client notices paper on the table and picks up a pen.  

Therapist: Not that pen...You’re going to be using a rather special one of mine. Here you are. I want you to write I must not blame others.

Client: How many times?

Therapist: Oh, as long as it takes for the message to sink in.

Client thinks of Harry Potter, looks at the back of his hand, as if something is going to go wrong!

End of scene 2.