Our first session will be only thirty minutes, and after you have had time to think about it…you will decide whether you would like to come again. Now you may sit on the chair on this side of me or you may lie on the sofa on this side, which ever you feel the most comfortable (Bette chose the chair) Kleenex will always be on the side table on your right, and we may close the curtains or open them including the windows whenever you want. As your therapist, if you so choose, I will be available 24/7 on my cell phoneif I dont answer leave a message…and if you so decide to book an emergency session feel free. I want you to feel safe enough to contact me when you feel like you cannot speak to anyone else. Care for a mint?

No thank you.

Right, now Ive read your file and it feels to me that the very first thing we need to doeven in our first session is to take a look at your coping skillsand if you would liketake a look at practiced and effective coping skills you can learn-

I dont need coping skillswellI have them but

BetteI know… I know it is very hard to admit were weak sometimesbut when were weak we all do something…or many thingsthat help us feel strong againdo you want to tell me what you do to feel strong again?

WellI usually punch something…hehe…i know that really isnt the coping skills youre looking for but it helps to get feelings out

We all have our own ways Bette, however some may be detrimental to our wellbeing and some may seem effective but are not at all-

But it does really help you know

I realize that it helps you, but im guessing only temporarily. After a few times of punching something to get your feelings out Bette, do you feel that the feelings that cause you to punch something go awayI mean in the long term? Do you feel it may be a cycle where each time they come back that you are back at square one?

..ummm.to be honest it certainly feels like Ive been punching foreverand wellto be more perfectly honest im a little tired of punching stuff..hehehTina is starting to move breakable things away