Posted by Commander Shara Calloway (Chief Intelligence Officer) in Counsellor’s Office- Calloway’s Eval

Posted by Lieutenant Patrick ‘Paddy’ McMillan (CNS) in Counsellor’s Office- Calloway’s Eval

Posted by Commander Shara Calloway (Chief Intelligence Officer) in Counsellor’s Office- Calloway’s Eval
Posted by… suppressed (3) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)

Shara had seen many therapists over her career in Intelligence and there was a certain reality all of them understood. And while a part of her understood that it could be different back on a regular duty assignment, she intrinsically felt that perhaps this counsellor was just a tad out of his depth. But the thing about having broken down so hard and having to rebuild herself back up, more than once, was that Shara Calloway understood herself. She had done the hard work, done the digging, and she had come out on top. The resurfacing of her symptoms was, hopefully, a blip at best, but for now she couldn’t ignore them, even if her recent R&R had done a world of good on that front.

“I have my methods of coping but sure, send the files along. Always willing to try something new,” Shara said.

Commander Calloway, CIO

“Forgive me, I don’t mean to force you away from methods you already use, anything I can do to help mind.”

-Lieutenant Patrick McMillan: Counsellor-

She laughed. “Hunny, I’m not trying to be mean when I say this, but no one forces me to do anything. Ever. And when they try, it usually doesn’t go over well,” Shara said with a grin. That had been true pretty most of her life and she doubted it was about to change anytime soon.

Commander Calloway, CIO

Paddy smiled, “I’m starting to get that idea.” The young counsellor had the smallest feeling he was devolping a rapport with the new CIO, albeit rather slight. Rising momentarily, he glanced down at the two mugs on either side of his office desk and asked, “Another round?”

-Lieutenant Patrick McMillan: Counsellor-

“Sue, why not,” Shara said, sliding her mug to him.

For a moment Shara studied him, her gaze deep and assessing. “For the record, I’m not going to be evasive with you, but not everything is just going to spill out. I’ve had to learn through hard work to let myself be open. My job requires secrets and I’ve kept them at the expense of, hell, my very well being some days. But that is what the job required. But if you go tip-toeing we’re going to get no where.”

Commander Calloway, CIO

“I understand completely Commander,” Paddy said with a smile, “I just want to do whatever makes you happy while you’re on board, but I would also like to see you form a stronger relationship with Faye.” Paddy replicated two sstrong Irish coffees and slid the second mug back accross his office desk.”

-Lieutenant Patrick McMillan: Counsellor-

“Who says we aren’t doing so already?” Shara said, accepting her mug. “Look, her and I both realize that it’s going to take time for us to truly get to know each other as we are now. She’s no longer a child and the kind of parenting she needs now is different. But she still needs me. Which is lovely and I’m doing the best I can to be there for her. But while I was on the Manhattan with her, she had a serious mental health crisis due to the fallout of the events there. And it was entirely understandable. But because of my issues, I had to set boundaries on the level of detail she shared with me. Because she’s gone through things that no parent should ever have to hear about, that they wouldn’t wish on anyone’s child. And hearing the details just triggers me too much. Makes my symptoms worse. Faye’s okay with that boundary because we’ve made it through this together and I’ve promised her I’m not disappearing again. I promised her my next duty assignment would be one where I could be reachable. That’s how we’re building a new relationship. One day at a time.”

Commander Calloway, CIO

“And I am happy to help with whatever I can in that regard. Have you checked in with the CMO yet? I may recommend that you undergo semi regular check ins with me and Lieutenant Senek. Nothing overly formal, just to make sure you’re doing ok, is that something you’d be willing to do?”

-Lieutenant Patrick McMillan: Counsellor-