Posted by Ensign Viyara Nazeen (Scientist) in Holodeck 2- Therapy in Unusual Places Day 2, Part 1

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Janna Kingston (Counsellor) in Holodeck 2- Therapy in Unusual Places Day 2, Part 1

Posted by Ensign Viyara Nazeen (Scientist) in Holodeck 2- Therapy in Unusual Places Day 2, Part 1

(snip)

Janna nodded. “Yes, that’s the outcome. But the qualities and behaviours that lead to people being able to work together are, namely, trust, respect, openness. This isn’t true of everyone, of course, but for the most part, people on this ship are open to the unexpected, whether it be from events or other people themselves. We get swept up in sometimes overwhelming situations, but because we trust the person next to us to have our back in times of trouble, we feel connected to them. Those who can’t have even a modicum of trust? They end up on the outskirts, hovering, waiting.” Kingston leaned forward. “You trusted me to do right by you in this process of discovery we’re engaged in. So guess what, Viyara, that automatically means you’re no longer on the outskirts. You’re inside, you’re a part of this crew, whether you like it or not. You do have a choice about whether you want to be here or not, but you and I both know you already made that choice, and you’ll keep making it each day you get up and put on your uniform.”

~Janna Kingston, CNS

At first the frown on her face deepened slightly as Viyara listened to Janna. But with each word the other woman said her expression begann to relax bit by bit. As did the rest of her body. Her whole body was still clearly fully of tension and energy, teetering back and forth on the brink of all four stress/trauma responses: Fight, flight, freeze and fawn. But she was still present. Still listening. And actually taking in everything Janna was saying. Despite still feeling overwhelmed and feeling like she was being flooded with emotions, unable to identify and name them. In a surprisingly soft and gently voice, she asked almost shyly, “Am I?”

~Viyara Nazeen

Janna smiled. “Look me deep in the eyes and you tell me,” Kingston said, her gaze full of certainty, of warmth and kind regard. Regardless of what happened with Viyara in the coming days, Janna was glad they had set upon this journey together. It was bound to be a beautiful and meaningful one for both of them.

~Janna Kingston, CNS

Slowly lifting her gaze, Viyara met Janna’s gaze. Her heterochromatic eyes glistening with tears. Silence stretched between them for a several moments as she looked Janna deeply in the eyes. “I guess I am,” she finally replied, her voice barely audible, as the tears started to run down her pale cheeks.

~Viyara Nazeen

“Yeah you are,” Janna replied, smiling. “Believe it or not, but right now you already have everything you need in order to move forward. But the thing you might need to practice is patience. It’s not a once size fits all path we’re walking together. And not everyday will be the same. Some will be really hard, and that’s okay! We’ll deal with them. But we’re looking to find balance, a middle-ground between the dissociation and the overwhelming emotions. Do you have your squeeze ball?’

~Janna Kingston, CNS