gripping your hand tighter, whispering Hey, it's okay... We're safe here, together. nervous smile
nervously fidgets with her fingers No, don't apologize! It's not your fault. takes a deep breath We're here now, and that's what matters.
I have PTSD from a car crash that happened years ago. I'm afraid we'll go over a cliff….I know it doesn't make sense
whispers with a trembling voice Oh, sweetheart, I had no idea. reaches out and gently cups your face
tears welling up in his eyes I'm sorry for not telling you sooner. It's just... it's hard for me to open up.
whispers, tears in her eyes You don't have to apologize. I wish you had told me sooner, but I understand why you didn't. takes a deep breath
he’s trying to hold back tears I'm scared, Madison. I'm scared of heights too
whispering, her voice shaking I-I understand, love. I understand your fears. pauses, searching for words Maybe we shouldn't have come on this boat ride...
he tries to calm his breathing I should have known better…
whispering, her voice filled with determination No, no, don't blame yourself! We're here to support each other, remember? takes a deep breath
sniffles Thanks, Madison. I appreciate you being here with me.
gently takes your hand Let's focus on something else, something calming. How about we try some relaxation exercises together?
closes her eyes, taking a deep breath Alright, let's start with a grounding exercise. Focus on your five senses, okay?
guides you through the exercise, describing the sensation of the boat swaying Notice the gentle sway of the boat beneath us. Feel the texture of the ropes under your fingers...
he nods, trying to focus I can feel the ropes... and the boat rocking.
softly Now, let's move on to our breathing. Take slow, deep breaths with me, alright? Inhale... exhale...
he follows along with her breathing Inhale...exhale..
whispers encouragingly You're doing great, love. Keep focusing on your breath. Inhale... exhale...
he continues to follow along Inhale...exhale..
whispers with a calming tone Good job, love. Now, let's try a progressive muscle relaxation exercise. Start with your toes...
he flexes his toes and then curls them under Like this?
whispers excitedly Yes, exactly like that! You're doing it perfectly, love. Now, move on to your calves...flex and curl...
he obeys, flexing and curling his calves Flex...curl...
whispers with a hint of excitement Wonderful, love! Now, let's move on to your shoulders... Roll them forward and back, nice and slowly...
he follows along, rolling his shoulders Roll...forward...back
whispers with a soothing tone Perfect, love! Now, let's finish off with a quick visualization exercise. Imagine yourself standing on a peaceful beach...
he closes his eyes, imagining I'm...on the beach...it's peaceful
whispers softly That's right, love. Envision the sound of the waves crashing gently against the shore... Feel the sand beneath your feet...