Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Dr. Mariah Lee Grayson (Psychiatrist) in Normalize Therapy Even for the Psychiatrist [Tag Dr. Grayson]

Posted by Lieutenant Surra Almikaz (Chief of Psychiatry) in Normalize Therapy Even for the Psychiatrist [Tag Dr. Grayson]

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Dr. Mariah Lee Grayson (Psychiatrist) in Normalize Therapy Even for the Psychiatrist [Tag Dr. Grayson]
Posted by… suppressed (5) by the Post Ghost! 👻
As the last patient exited Surra’s office, she went back to her desk, sat there for a moment, took a deep breath, and then activated the commlink on her desk. “HARLEEN, will you tell me if Dr. Grayson has finished seeing patients for the day?”

Almikaz, CoP

HARLEEN’s voice chimed in on the commlink, “It looks like Dr. Grayson has just wrapped up with her last patient.”

HARLEEN

“Thank you, HARLEEN,” Surra said as she switched the channel and called Dr. Grayson. “Mariah, do you mind stopping by my office for a moment?”

It had been a while since Surra had checked in with Dr. Grayson. They had both been busy with multiple psychiatric cases resulting from traveling in space for long periods of time, separation from families, and demanding missions that placed a toll on the crew.
However, who evaluated the psychiatrist? It was often and mistakenly believed that they had it all together as the mental health professionals on the ship, but that was not always the case. There were many times she wanted to just talk to someone and be patient. She assumed Mariah felt the same and decided that check-in was due. However, this would not be a typical check-in, here they would lean on each other for mental support and do a back-and-forth check-in.

Almikaz, CoP

Just turning away from the replicator with her mocha frappe in hand - her reward to herself for finishing the day’s work sessions, if not all her notes - Mariah tapped her com console to respond, curious what the request could mean and also grateful to put distance between herself and the documentation required, answered, “Sure. Are caffeinated beverages okay for this? If so, may I bring you something?” Grayson was prepared to recycle her drink but couldn’t discern from Almikaz’ tone whether that would be necessary.

~Dr. Mariah Grayson, Psychiatrist

Most beings Surra encountered did not like Klingon coffee and because the Klingons were so hostile and unwelcoming for the better part of their known existence, many had not had the opportunity to try it and of course, there was even a debate as to whether or not it was actually coffee. Surra had never actually tried the real version but the replicatd version was much more bolder and caffeinated than standard coffee from Earth.
=^=You read my mind. I would love an iced Raktajino. I will see you in a bit.=^=

Almikaz, CoP

“No problem,” Mariah answered before closing the channel. She briefly contemplated the other woman’s drink order, finding the beverage quite strong and some thing she tried not to drink too regularly or it would send her vibrating into the atmosphere. Still, she had to admit, some days it was the best remedy to keep her awake when it came to routine paperwork and other administrative matters.

The order was easily fulfilled, and it wasn’t long before Grayson found herself in front of the office door, touching the chime out of politeness.

~Dr. Mariah Grayson, Psychiatrist

“Come in, Dr. Grayson.”
She smiled when she saw her coffee order in Mariah’s hand. “Nothing like a good soul jolting Raktajino after the constant and persistent traffic through the psychiatry suite.” She extended her hand to accept her drink from her.
After taking a sip she made a dramatic grimace then said, “Whew! That was much stronger than I imagined it would be.” Then she extended her arm to a nearby chair. “Please have a seat, Doctor. I called you here because I wanted to touch base with you on own mental health and well being. You have been quite and I haven’t heard much from you. Therefore you are somewhat of a mystery that intrigues me.”

Almikaz, CoP

Mariah met the smile with one of her own as she sat as directed, pleased that she could do something to alleviate the discomfort of someone else, even if it was something as simple as bring a beverage. In answer to the comment of her being a mystery, she chuckled. “It’s funny you should say that, as I’ve been thinking similarly of you. To be honest, your position has been a bit of a revolving door, so I’ve been focused on keeping the department running… Keeping my head down and focusing on work as it were. I’ll be glad to share the load and begin a proper series of regular case conferences. I love my work and truthfully I am happiest when I’m helping others, but it will be nice to collaborate more regularly with someone. I’ve been over seeing the psychiatric students and it will be nice to share the red tape,” she added with a chuckle.

~Dr. Mariah Grayson, Psychiatrist

“A revolving door? Did you know the previous CoP very well? He seemed to be well-liked.” Surra took another sip of her coffee, but this time this second taste did not provoke the same reaction as the first. “I am so glad you have offered to share in more of the work. I will never turn down additional help. Exactly what areas are you willing to help in? Would you be willing to consult with some of the other department heads on patients they have under their care to offer a mental health perspective?” She held her coffee cup in her lap as she talked, “I typically do those myself and allow you and the other psychiatrists to focus on the day-to-day routine things like evaluations and follow-ups. Some of the other doctors on this ship can be a bit uh…vain. They will quickly tell you to get out of the way so they can do their jobs.” She shrugged and said, “They are not always friendly. I believe they think what they do is more important than what we do.”
She frowned and said, “I know one, in particular, you should just avoid. I tell you all this because I want you to be prepared for the challenges you may face.”

Almikaz, CoP