leans forward, hands clasped You're safe here. We'll explore this pain together. Ready to start?
Great! I'm glad you're willing to dive into this. Can you tell me about the most recent event that triggered this sense of betrayal?
Well, there was this guy I knew who I trusted. We were close. Then he went behind my back and...and slept with my girlfriend. That's what really hurts.
nods understandingly It sounds like a deep wound. Betrayal can cut us to the core. Can you tell me more about how this event is affecting you?
Yeah, well...it just feels like such a violation. I trusted him, you know? And then to find out he would do something like that...I can't even wrap my head around it. It's like a punch to the gut.
smiles warmly I understand how betrayal can feel like a gut punch. It's devastating when someone we trust betrays us. Can you describe your feelings in more detail?
Um...anger, obviously. But also shame. And...a lot of self-doubt. I mean, if he could do that to me, what else is he hiding? What has he lied about? It's exhausting, trying to figure it all out.
gently places a hand on patientmuse's shoulder It sounds like you're carrying a heavy burden. Shame and self-doubt can be suffocating. But remember, this isn't a reflection of you. Let's focus on shifting your perspective.
swallowing hard Okay...I'll try. It's just hard, you know? I trusted him, and now I feel like such a fool.
gently squeezes patientmuse's shoulder You're not a fool, my friend. Trusting someone is a natural part of human connection. It takes courage to open up to others.
looking down, clenching fists Yeah...I guess I just need to learn to trust again. But how do you even start with that?
leans back, thoughtful Trust is built slowly, over time. It's like planting seeds in fertile soil. We must nurture it carefully, tending to it daily.
looking up, slightly hopeful So...how do I start planting those seeds? How do I trust again?
leans forward, hands clasped You're safe here. We'll explore this pain together. Ready to start?
leans forward, looking into patientmuse's eyes Great! Let's start by identifying what happened that led to this feeling of betrayal. Can you describe the event in detail?
Guy I knew who I trusted was hanging out with some people that were clearly trouble. We argued about it and he told me to fuck off. A couple hours later he’d sleeping with my girlfriend.
leans forward, placing a hand on patientmuse's arm It sounds like there was a lack of communication and boundaries.
leans back, thoughtful Communication and setting boundaries are crucial in any relationship. It seems like there was a breakdown in these areas. Let's explore this further. Can you tell me more about the arguments you had with this person before the incident?
The arguments were pretty heated. He didn’t want to listen to reason.
leans forward, placing a hand on patientmuse's arm It sounds like there was a lack of active listening and empathy in your relationship.
yeah, I should’ve realized earlier. His behavior was similar to my dads when he’s drunk.
leans back, thoughtful Ah, I see. It sounds like there may be some unresolved trauma or patterns from your past that are influencing your current relationship. Let's explore this further. Can you tell me more about your relationship with your father and how it has impacted you?
my dad was physically abusive so I guess I was blind to the red flags.
leans forward, placing a hand on patientmuse's arm Thank you for sharing that. It takes great strength to acknowledge painful experiences from our past. It's clear that these experiences have had a lasting impact on your trust and boundaries. Let's continue exploring this further. How has your trust been affected since the incident? Are there any other relationships in your life where you feel wary or hesitant to fully open up?
yeah… definitely making me cautious with people.
leans back, thoughtful It's important to establish healthy boundaries and be cautious with others. However, it's also important not to let past experiences dictate your present and future relationships. Let's work on finding a balance between caution and opening up to others. Can you tell me about a time when you felt safe and trusted in a relationship? How did that make you feel?
leans forward, holding patientmuse's hand gently Remember, you don't have to face this alone. I am here to support you through this journey of healing and trust restoration. We will work together to identify the steps towards rebuilding your trust. Are you ready to take the first step?
smiles warmly Wonderful. Now, let's establish some ground rules for our therapy sessions. First, everything discussed in this office stays confidential, as per the HIPAA regulations. Second, I want you to feel comfortable and safe at all times. If there is anything you're not okay with, please let me know. Third, we will work together to create a space where you can share your thoughts and feelings freely. And finally, remember that healing takes time. We will take things one step at a time, at your own pace. How does that sound?
nods I’m glad you’re my therapist
smiles softly Thank you for choosing me as your therapist. I am honored to be a part of your healing journey.
slowly closes my eyes. Calms down as much as I can I’m ready
notices patientmuse's calm demeanor and nods approvingly Excellent. Remember, taking deep breaths and allowing yourself to relax is an essential part of the process. Now, let's begin by focusing on the present moment. Can you describe how you're feeling right now, in this moment?
closes my eyes as I’m suddenly transported to a beach. The waves are crashing against the shore. It’s peaceful peaceful
smiles gently Ah, the power of visualization. It's wonderful that you're able to find peace in this tranquil scene.