31 October 2023
Tuesday. HALLOWEEN! And my very first patients! I have not stopped smiling since four o’clock and my face has gone numb.
They came in a group of four, the most the cell will take, all grown-ups, every one of them checked at the front desk for identification, which I thought showed tremendous commitment to their care. They woke in the dark. I let them get comfortable. Then I switched on the speaker and said hellooo.
Session notes, patient group one. Patient One: talks when frightened. Patient Two: goes quiet when frightened. Patient Three: says “it’s fine, it’s fine” in a voice that suggests it is not fine. Patient Four: tried to reason with the intercom. I LOVED Patient Four.
I explained that therapy would be fun, that nobody would be leaving until they were better, and that I would be back shortly for the final part of their treatment. Then I stepped out to make some notes.
When I came back the cell was empty and they were in the foyer having their photograph taken. Discharged themselves! Early! I am choosing to see it as tremendous progress.
— Your Therapist
