Posted by Ensign Dr. Mariah Lee Grayson (Psychiatrist) in Side Sim: Lieutenant Darren’s Psychological Evaluation

(snip)

“You have nothing to apologize for,” Grayson replied, tilting her head to the side in mild concern. She paused, then offered, “I could be misreading things, but it seems to me since we met, you’ve seemed a bit anxious. Am I off base? My intention is not to make you feel self-conscious, but if there’s something I can do to help, I would be happy to assist. The way I see it, you and I are a team here and if we can’t support each other, we are going to have a hard time convincing the crew we can support them.”

~Dr. Mariah Grayson, Psychiatrist

Ana’s pale complexion flushed pink as Grayson verbalized the undercurrent of tension. Her teeth pulled her lower lip into her mouth as she contemplated how to respond, chewing on it softly. “I do… I’m…” After two false starts, she took an obvious deep breath to steady herself, letting the exhalation rush out between slightly opened lips. “This is new to me,” she finally replied, although it was somewhat similar to a stammer. She reached out for her tea quickly again, forcing herself to take the next sip more slowly.

Darren, CoP

On the one hand, Grayson was glad to have the issue out in the open. She wouldn’t be a very good therapist if she were reluctant to bring up observations pertinent to evaluations or her current professional relationships. On the other hand, her candor seemed to have the exact effect she hadn’t wanted professionally speaking, which was to make Darren even more self-conscious. Even more, what Darren had shared was even more unclear. Weighing her options carefully, she finally offered, ” what’s new?”

~Dr. Mariah Grayson, Psychiatrist

Ana chewed on her lower lip for a few moments as she contemplated just how to answer Grayson’s question. Finally, she let out an aggravated-sounding huff of air and went for it. “All of this,” she exclaimed, a rare amount of inflection entering her typically steady vocal pattern. “I’m an academic, not a clinician.” Her outburst over as quickly as it began, she slumped slightly in the chair, her black hair falling forward over her face and giving her a more child-like appearance.

Darren, CoP