Posted by Ensign Charlie Bailey (Doctor) in Counselor’s Office – Molly Holloway

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The answer was obvious: they were connected to a previous trauma. However, acknowledging the fact would be making it real. It would be confessing that the stoic and tough officer she wanted to be was not so stoic or tough after all. Not in her mind anyway. It would be admitting she had a problem.

Molly knew she had issues. Mostly caused by the physical abuse she had suffered as a child. But she had found a way of using the handicaps she had gotten from it, and turning them into strengths that made her the officer she was today. Strengths that sometimes would get out of control, and that the stream of counselors in her life helped her keep in check.

Not the nightmares. The nightmares were a sign of weakness. Her whole life she had used the lack of love of her relationship with her father to fuel her resilience. To fuel a degree of emotional distance that kept her safe. When you are deeply hurt by those who love you, you won’t feel the pain induced by those who don’t. Over the years, her resilience was the only quality she was proud of in herself, and she made it the one thing that defined her.

And now, accepting the nightmares were caused by trauma, would be accepting she didn’t have the single quality that defined who she was.

After a long pause, Molly finally spoke. “What nightmares are not liked to previous traumas?” Her tone was steady and clear, but it was clear she was dodging the question while trying to convey some information on the subject.

Capt. Holloway, CIO

Charlie nodded at Molly’s reply, noting the controlled tone. “To some degree I suppose, I’m sure the counselor here would have more insight on that. What I mean though is are these abstract and fantastical or are you experiencing memories of the past?” she pressed a little harder. “I only ask as the treatment options differ depending on what you are experiencing…the more you can tell me, the better I can help you,” she added softly with a sympathetic smile.

Dr Bailey

Katie observed the interaction silently, not feeling the need to jump in on the psychological aspects at the moment. Those were better worked through with Holloway, although she would step in if the evasiveness became a problem. Luckily, it seemed that Bailey had the situation well under control.

Lt Cmdr Nunn, CNS