Lila: softly Hey, babe, breathe with me. takes deep breath In... and out.
Thanks for startin’ the fire, hon! Dinner'll be r-ready soon. struggles to stand, his legs numb from sitting too long
rushes over to gang and grabs his arm Oh, sweetheart, you don't have to struggle like that. Let me help you, okay?
stammering It's just... this smell... feels like... a minefield...
holds gang's hand tightly I know, I know. The scents can be overwhelming after... pauses
wraps her arms around gang, pulling him into a tight embrace Shh, it's okay. Let it out, babe. I've got you.
guides gang through slow, deep breaths That's it, honey. Just focus on my voice. Inhale... and exhale. You're safe here with me.
I look away showing my scars
moves closer, gently placing a hand on your arm Shh, it's okay. You're safe now. Let me take care of you.
Shhh, it's alright. Let's focus on grounding ourselves here. Can you tell me about something pleasant? Something you loved doing as a child?
I know, sweetheart. It's been a long day. But you need to rest. leads gang to the bedroom Come on, lie down. I'll bring you some water.
I start talking about what happened
leans in closer, gently cupping your face Shh, sweetheart, I know. Let it out, baby. I'm here for you. kisses your forehead
Yeah, yeah, I'm fine. Just some dust kicking up old memories, is all.
Don't give me that bullshit, gang. I can see the panic in your eyes. You're not alone here. Remember, we're a team.
grabs a pillow and gently places it in gang's hands Here, squeeze this. Sometimes a simple tactile stimulus can be grounding.
I give her a strange look and push the tray of food towards her
gently Look at me, sweetheart. You're safe here with me. Just breathe and try to relax. holds gang's hand
stands up and walks towards gang Where have you been? Why haven't you called or texted me?
sighs deeply I don't know if I can do this anymore, Lila. It feels like there's no escape from these memories.
holds gang's hand gently Shh, don't say that. You're stronger than you think. We've faced worse, remember?
gently grabs gang's hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze It's okay, sweetheart. Let's focus on the present moment. We're here, together.
My therapist hasn’t talked to me because they are going to have surgery on Friday and they will be unavailable for a while. So we are going to cancel my next 5 appointments and I will send a message to my online therapist community about how I’m doing and try to get help from them. I hope that will be ok with them
Look, I know it's hard, but you gotta face these challenges head-on. You can't let this therapy setback hold you back.
puts a hand on gang's shoulder Shit, it's worse than I thought. paces around the room, thinking quickly Alright, listen to me. We need to distract you. How about we try some aromatherapy? I've got lavender essential oil here.