Dr. Dalayne Davenport surveyed her newest patients and their sombre mood. “Thank you for agreeing to meet here. I think we can agree that having a neutral place will help a bit, even if it is its own complication. Now, before we get into why you’ve chosen to do family therapy, I want to go over the ground rules. You’ve been given them already, but I will reiterate as a reminder. First, there is no shouting, no name-calling, or anything of the sort. There might be strong feelings that come up, but there must be respect for each other in this room. Second, you speak for yourselves, not for others. Use ‘I feel’ statements if that helps frame someone else’s behaviour or actions. Interruptions might happen, but I will ask you to be mindful of your urge to interrupt. Everyone will have time to speak. You each have something to write with, so please do take notes if there are things you want to bring up and that moment might not be the right one. Third, if you need a break, ask for one. You can step out and give yourself a moment, especially if something is brought up that is difficult for you. And lastly, it’s okay to agree to disagree. You each have your own experiences and perspective. You may see the same events very differently and that is okay. What I want you to try to do is listen to these other perspectives and see how they differ or align with your own. Are these rules something you can all agree to?”

A chorus of yeses and nods ensued. More than that was the threads of determination, nervousness and anticipation she was sensing from the trio. A psi-positive therapist had been a request of the family, given they were empaths themselves and they were journeying into very difficult territory.

The head of the psychiatry department had asked her to take on this case for some key reasons, but namely her half-Napean ancestry and her status as a retired Starfleet officer. She had been a doctor in her previous life, and after retiring after her last tour of duty had gone back to do a new residency in mental health. She was technically a civilian at Sacred Heart, but was cleared for the security access required to take on this unique person as a patient. Was it daunting having the Lieutenant Governor as your patient? Yep! But more than that was the delicate position of having her adult children with her for family therapy. After getting their individual files sent to her (a necessary action in this particular case), Dalayne knew she had her work cut out for her.

Each in their own large armchair set in a semi-circle before her, they sat in her light filled office at Sacred Heart Hospital and Delayne mentally confirmed that her initial plan of action would be the right one. “Alright, let’s get right into it, shall we? I’d like to start with each of you explaining why you wanted to do family therapy, why you personally are here in this room today. Eela? Why don’t you go first.” It was a conscious decision to use first names, one because she knew the woman preferred less formality when she could get away with it, but also to set a more casual atmosphere from the get-go.

(to be continued…)

~Eela and Co.