Room 702 by Ann Benjamin Read Free Book Online Page B

you love very deeply.”
    “I’m supposed to be the one in charge.”
    “Says who?   The media?   Gender stereotypes?   So far, you’ve struck me as a bit more evolved than others, Mr. Carlton.”   “Fine, I know we’re supposed to be a partnership.”   “Are you not?”   “Sometimes.   But sometimes she’s just so independent – I feel like I’m not even needed.”   “Have you expressed this to her?”   “No.”   “Are you intimidated by her?”
    “No.   Her attitude is one of the things I love most about her.”
    “So, let’s go back a few steps, why are you ‘supposed’ to be in charge?”“I guess I’m not, but what if she finds out I’m seeing you and she thinks I’m a puss— sorry, less than a man?   What if she doesn’t want to be with a guy who goes to a therapist?   Who can’t even handle his well funded life?”
    “Or what if something else happens?”
    “What do you mean?”
    “What if by telling her you are talking to someone, that you are able to begin a discussion of your own.   You can share some of things you’ve been sharing with me.”
    “I don’t know.”
    “It’s your life, Oscar, and you can make the decision as you see fit, but I believe there would be benefits.”
    “I’ll think about it.”
    Knowing she’s pushed her patient as far as she can on the topic for today, she asks, “How are you feeling about the medication?   Have you noticed any changes?”
    “A little.”
    “Anything specific?”
    “I’m starting to feel more connected again.”
    “I’m glad to hear that.   If you were open to it, I could write you a prescription for Xanax or similar.”   “No, Doc.   Listen I’m okay with the Prozac, but I really want to work on the rest of my issues without medication, if possible.”   “I’m happy to respect your wishes, but please let me know if you change your mind.”   Referring to her notes, Nancy says, “So, when we spoke last, you mentioned everything in your life was equally out of control.   What I wanted to do today was to outline and try to identify how we could help you sort taking control.   Does that sound like a good plan?”   “Yes.”`
      “How is your relationship with your coach?”
    “He’s fine.   It’s his job and I have to respect the decisions he makes.”
    “You don’t feel you are being ‘controlled’ by him?”
    “No.   He’s approachable.   I honestly think he respects my opinion and what I bring to the team.”
    “How about the rest of the coaching staff?”
    “They’re okay.”
    “How about the team management?   The trainers and others involved with the organization?”
    “I see what they’re doing.   They are a business, and they have to make decisions accordingly.”
    “Do you agree with their decisions?”
    “For the most part, yes.   I generate revenue for them, but I’m not so precious they won’t sell me off.”   “How do you feel about that?”   “That’s part of what being a professional athlete is.   Do I dislike how I have almost no control about the direction of my career?   Of course I do.   However, I still get paid to play the game I love.”
    “Do you share your opinion when you don’t?”
    “Not really.”
    “Any particular reason?”
    “No one wants to get a reputation of being difficult.”
    “Because it could impact your career?”
    “Pretty much.”   “Even if you disagree?”   Oscar puts his hands up defensively and says, “As I’ve just said, I’m paid to play.”   “Who do you look up to in this sport?”   “Uh… I thought Michael Jordan was cool growing up.”   “And now?”   Oscar considers the questions and answers, “No one in particular.”   “Do you think there are any role models in today’s game?”   “I’m not sure.”   “Do you think people look up to you?”   “Maybe.   Look, I don’t see how this all relates.”   “I think we need to find ways to build your confidence and to