I’ve been in therapy, on and off, since the Cold War era. I don’t know how many therapists I’ve seen. I would guess close to fifteen. That sounds slutty. But that’s the way it was. Each time, there was a good reason. I was with a few therapists for quite a long time. The longest, in New York City, was with a woman, for around nine years. She was expensive. They all are, aren’t they, but in New York, particularly so. They almost have to be to maintain their collective reputation.
I absolutely adored this post...choices of words, the descriptive drawing, I could go on...especially with my own anecdotes! Daughter Caki giving a thumbs up describes it as "ironically light"!
I made an appointment a few years ago. The guy I saw fell asleep during our first and only session. Not kidding! Saw him again at the movies a few weeks later but we didn't talk. I wonder if he slept during the film as well.
Always wonderful to read your writing, and this, on a topic so very close to my hear; as it was THERAPY, you may recall, that led me (as a nearly 12 year old - already 12? - boy) to muster the courage to find my birth father. As Paul Harvey might say, you already know "the rest of the story," having read it more than perhaps anyone other than Katerina Stoykova.
Richard, I always learn something new from your short stories. This one about your therapy you wrote so enchantingly, I thought, maybe I should try one myself? Don’t exclaim, “Whaaaat!?” Yes. Have never seen a therapist. Either my demons are weak, or I’m so terrible as to scare them away . . . Well, I’ll discuss it with my therapist (smile).
Thank you for sharing this. Loved it.
I absolutely adored this post...choices of words, the descriptive drawing, I could go on...especially with my own anecdotes! Daughter Caki giving a thumbs up describes it as "ironically light"!
Catherine, I want to hear about those anecdotes one day!
I made an appointment a few years ago. The guy I saw fell asleep during our first and only session. Not kidding! Saw him again at the movies a few weeks later but we didn't talk. I wonder if he slept during the film as well.
That happened to me, too, Olivier! Really. And it was my first shrink! I called him on it, and he actually seemed affronted! WTF??
You always write with the perfect balance of poignancy and humor.
Thank you!
Always wonderful to read your writing, and this, on a topic so very close to my hear; as it was THERAPY, you may recall, that led me (as a nearly 12 year old - already 12? - boy) to muster the courage to find my birth father. As Paul Harvey might say, you already know "the rest of the story," having read it more than perhaps anyone other than Katerina Stoykova.
Cheers, and thanks!!
Thank you, Brian! I indeed do remember your story! Plus some events in England! Thanks for your supportive words.
Loving this--so gentle.
I'm glad you liked it.
Since I don’t have a cat, it looks like it would be cheaper for me to get along with my demons (smile).
Haha!
Richard, I always learn something new from your short stories. This one about your therapy you wrote so enchantingly, I thought, maybe I should try one myself? Don’t exclaim, “Whaaaat!?” Yes. Have never seen a therapist. Either my demons are weak, or I’m so terrible as to scare them away . . . Well, I’ll discuss it with my therapist (smile).
Therapy is expensive!! Writers often need it but have to sell their cat to afford it.