Inside Out

Psychologist

I carefully dialed the number to the nearest shrink, my fingers trembling slightly as I pressed each digit. The anticipation of finally seeking professional help for my troubled mind was both nerve-wracking and exhilarating. After a few rings, a soothing voice answered on the other end, "Hello, I would like to make an appointment."

The receptionist, with her gentle tone, responded, "Of course, ma'am. When would you like to come in?" I couldn't contain my urgency and demanded to be seen as soon as possible, my voice betraying the desperation that had consumed me. "Now would be great, it's urgent," I pleaded, hoping that she would understand the gravity of my situation. To my immense relief, the lady on the other end of the line was incredibly understanding and accommodating. I felt a sense of gratitude wash over me, grateful for the opportunity to be seen without judgment. Surely, they must encounter countless anxious new patients seeking solace within these walls.

The building housing the psychologist's office was conveniently located just a five-minute walk from my house. As I stepped out onto the bustling city streets, my heart raced with a mix of anticipation and trepidation. I practically sprinted towards the destination, my feet carrying me swiftly towards the sanctuary of someone who could provide a semblance of sanity in this chaotic world. With each step, I imagined the atmosphere within the psychologist's office, envisioning a space that exuded tranquility and commanded respect.

Upon arrival, I was greeted by a receptionist who directed me to Dr. K's office. The door creaked open, revealing a room adorned with warm hues and tasteful decor. The air was scented with a delicate blend of lavender and sandalwood, instantly calming my frayed nerves. Dr. K, a distinguished figure with short, slick gray hair, welcomed me with a kind smile. His circular glasses perched on the bridge of his nose, giving him an air of intellectual prowess. In his hands, he held a pen and clipboard, ready to meticulously analyze every thought that would pass through my troubled mind.

As I settled into the plush, brown leather chair, its softness enveloped me like a comforting embrace. I couldn't help but feel a sense of trust and safety in this space, knowing that I was in the hands of a professional who had dedicated their life to understanding the complexities of the human mind. Dr. K, with his calm demeanor, began our session by gently inquiring about the nightmares that had plagued my nights. His questions were thoughtful and probing, encouraging me to delve deep into the recesses of my subconscious, unraveling the tangled threads of my troubled psyche.

He delicately pressed the silver button on his sleek pen, the sound echoing softly in the room. With a graceful motion, he swiftly jotted down his meticulously crafted questions, capturing every word that escaped my lips. His eyes, sharp and attentive, locked onto mine as he inquired, "When did these haunting nightmares first infiltrate your slumber?" Ah, the eternal conundrum of where to commence such a tale. The weight of the question hung in the air, but I summoned the courage to take a deep breath, allowing the words to flow forth from the depths of my being. My body, seeking solace, sank into the plush embrace of the supple leather chair. I closed my eyes, shutting out the world, and gently folded my fingers over my stomach, seeking a sense of calm. The rhythmic rise and fall of my chest matched the cadence of my slow, meditational breaths, preparing me for the journey that lay ahead.

With a hesitant voice, I began to recount the origins of this nocturnal torment. "These nightmares first plagued my innocent mind when I was but a tender child, their malevolent presence casting a shadow over my youthful innocence. However, they inexplicably ceased their relentless assault for a number of years, granting me a temporary respite from their chilling grip. Alas, their sinister return came upon me with a vengeance last year, shattering the fragile peace I had so desperately clung to. Night after night, they would assail me, their haunting specters invading the sanctuary of my dreams. Determined to vanquish these phantoms, I made the conscious decision to abstain from indulging in the macabre delights of horror movies, hoping that by doing so, I could sever the ties that bound me to this nocturnal torment. And for a time, it seemed as though my efforts had borne fruit, as the nightmares retreated into the recesses of my subconscious, their presence but a distant memory."