EVERYTHING THEY DIDN’T TELL THE THERAPIST
My sessions with Dr. Sharma are a well-rehearsed ballet. I chat about my job, the stress of meeting deadlines, the day-to-day irritations. I speak about my family, the regard in which I hold my partner's support. I outline my new hobby, the healing powers of painting. She nods, she listens, she makes some notes. She wants to know how I am, and I say, "I feel good." And in the one little word is the entire truth. My Job I tell her I'm overwhelmed. The truth is that I'm afraid I won't be able to do it. I head home and sit in the dark for hours with my eyes fixed on the wall. The deadline isn't the problem; the problem is the blank page, the fear that I don't have anything else to write. I'm not tired; I'm empty. My Partner I tell her how supportive he is. He makes me a cup of tea, he asks about my day. He's a nice man. What I don't say to him is that I'm a weight. His kindness is like a searchlight, illuminating each slighte...
