Kari: I just want to know already if I got it or not. this park isnāt helping. Iām so stressed.
excitedly Babe, did you hear? Your team is getting selected for Olympics!
nervously bites her lip Oh my god, really? Thatās amazing! But... takes a deep breath I need to tell you something. Itās 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.
Whatās 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 didnāt you tell me before?
tears well up in her eyes I didnāt want you to worry about me, Jensen.
Iām here for you, Kari. Weāll 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. Letās find you a therapist right away. Iāll support you through this whole process.
takes out her phone and starts searching for therapists in the area I think Iāve found a few options nearby.
Letās make an appointment with one today, just in case.
nods, determined Iāve found a therapist with great reviews. Her office is only a few blocks from here. Should we go now?
Absolutely. Letās go see her right away.
takes a deep breath, gathers her things Okay, letās go. I feel a bit more hopeful already.
Letās go together, Kari. Weāre in this together.
smiles gratefully Thank you, Jensen. Your presence means everything to me right now.
Weāll 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 Iām still anxious, too.
Weāll 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 Iām ready. Letās face this together.
Here comes our name. Letās go in, Kari.
takes a deep breath and stands up, walking into the therapist's office with Jensen by her side Hi, weāre here to see Dr. Johnson.
speaks confidently Weāre here for Kariās initial consultation.
smiles warmly Welcome, Kari and Jensen. Please, take a seat. Iām Dr. Johnson, and Iāll be working with Kari to help manage her anxiety and panic attacks.
squeezes Kariās hand reassuringly Weāre looking forward to working with you, Dr. Johnson.
takes a deep breath and smiles nervously Thank you, Dr. Johnson. Iām ready to get started and find ways to manage my anxiety.
Whatās next, Dr. Johnson?
smiles reassuringly Next, Iād like to do an initial assessment to better understand Kariās specific challenges with anxiety.
Alright, weāre all ears.
nods, looking determined Iām ready to share everything. Letās get started, Dr. Johnson.
Weāre here, letās do this.
takes a deep breath and begins to speak Okay, Dr. Johnson. Iāve experienced severe anxiety since I was a teenager.
leans in, listening intently Go ahead, Kari. Weāre 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 Iām 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.