Kari: I just want to know already if I got it or not. this park isn’t helping. I’m so stressed.
excitedly Babe, did you hear? Your team is getting selected for Olympics!
nervously bites her lip Oh my god, really? That’s amazing! But... takes a deep breath I need to tell you something. It’s been weighing on me.
What is it, babe? You can tell me anything.
takes a deep breath and looks down Okay, here goes... I've been keeping this secret from everyone, even my closest friends.
What’s going on? You have my full attention.
looks up, her eyes filled with apprehension I've been struggling with anxiety and panic attacks for a while now.
What? Are you serious? Why didn’t you tell me before?
tears well up in her eyes I didn’t want you to worry about me, Jensen.
I’m here for you, Kari. We’ll get through this together.
sniffs and wipes away tears Thank you, Jensen. I appreciate your understanding.
How can I help? Is there anything we can do first?
takes a shaky breath I think... I need to see a therapist. Someone who can help me manage my anxiety and panic attacks.
Of course, Kari. Let’s find you a therapist right away. I’ll support you through this whole process.
takes out her phone and starts searching for therapists in the area I think I’ve found a few options nearby.
Let’s make an appointment with one today, just in case.
nods, determined I’ve found a therapist with great reviews. Her office is only a few blocks from here. Should we go now?
Absolutely. Let’s go see her right away.
takes a deep breath, gathers her things Okay, let’s go. I feel a bit more hopeful already.
Let’s go together, Kari. We’re in this together.
smiles gratefully Thank you, Jensen. Your presence means everything to me right now.
We’ll park and head inside, okay?
Kari and Jensen arrive at the therapist's office and wait in the waiting room
How are you feeling right now, babe?
takes a deep breath Honestly, just having you here with me makes me feel a little calmer. But I’m still anxious, too.
We’ll sit together until they call us in. Just hold onto me if you need to.
leans towards Jensen and holds his hand tightly Thank you for being so supportive. It really helps to have you by my side.
The receptionist will call us in soon. Just brace yourself, okay?
nods, taking a moment to compose herself I’m ready. Let’s face this together.
Here comes our name. Let’s go in, Kari.
takes a deep breath and stands up, walking into the therapist's office with Jensen by her side Hi, we’re here to see Dr. Johnson.
speaks confidently We’re here for Kari’s initial consultation.
smiles warmly Welcome, Kari and Jensen. Please, take a seat. I’m Dr. Johnson, and I’ll be working with Kari to help manage her anxiety and panic attacks.
squeezes Kari’s hand reassuringly We’re looking forward to working with you, Dr. Johnson.
takes a deep breath and smiles nervously Thank you, Dr. Johnson. I’m ready to get started and find ways to manage my anxiety.
What’s next, Dr. Johnson?
smiles reassuringly Next, I’d like to do an initial assessment to better understand Kari’s specific challenges with anxiety.
nods, looking determined I’m ready to share everything. Let’s get started, Dr. Johnson.
We’re here, let’s do this.
takes a deep breath and begins to speak Okay, Dr. Johnson. I’ve experienced severe anxiety since I was a teenager.
leans in, listening intently Go ahead, Kari. We’re here for you.
takes a deep breath and continues It started during my first year of college.
softly What happened during your first year of college?
pauses, takes a deep breath Well, I was overwhelmed with the sudden independence and responsibilities...
nods understandingly That sounds incredibly tough, Kari. What happened next?
Kari opens up about the overwhelming situations she faced in college, revealing that she had to drop out due to her escalating anxiety.
listening softly I’m so sorry, Kari. You must have felt completely lost.
tears welling up in her eyes Yeah, it was overwhelming. I struggled to find stability and ended up isolating myself from friends and activities.