She walked into her inner office and sat down at her computer workstation desk. Opening the file of each client who was in group today, she began to write about her first impression of them. Her computer encrypted all files to keep them confidential. She shook her head, more than a little concerned about two of the clients benefiting from a group situation. Well, she thought, the next weeks would reveal if it brought about change for them.
They were all affected by phobias of some type. OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) was indicated and one of the females was intermittently blurting out sentences and her ability to segue was nonexistent. The plan was for everyone to benefit and contribute something during group interaction. It was expected that they would help themselves and each other during the course of six weeks of therapy.
The last client to enter the office earlier had been wearing a black helmet. She had welcomed him and quite naturally, asked what kind of motorcycle he drove. Clark, the man under the helmet said, ‘motorcycle?’
She managed to keep a straight face and offered tea or coffee to everyone. Next she gave them her name and explained briefly how the sessions were expected to proceed. She asked them to give their names one at a time. Edgar told them gruffly who he was. Allen and Ann were next. Lenore was the last one to speak. She immediately interjected the fact she loved oceans.
Edgar sarcastically said he was thrilled to know that. The therapist started to talk about the next topic. She asked Edgar if he’d like to speak first. He was still sarcastic as he described his fool of a neighbor who had allowed a newspaper to blow in the wind and land on his lawn. It was an inconsiderate act he said.
It turned out this incident had happened about a year earlier. Allen smirked as he said it was a long time to stay so mad. Edgar got angry and said he was careful about his grass. Lenore didn’t think it was all that important. She thought it might have been an accident. Edgar said it wasn’t, it was intentional.
Both women in the group were holding small blankets on their laps. Now Ann hid her face in the blanket and started to cry. The therapist urged Edgar to speak in a quiet voice. She asked Ann to tell them why she was so upset. Lenore said it was Edgar’s fault.Lenore didn’t answer and the session continued. Ann said she always wanted to hide too if someone sounded mad. They continued to talk until the fifty minute hour ended. The therapist walked them to the door and said she would see them next week. Three out of five said goodbye pleasantly. Edgar wasn’t one of them.
