Zac&fatima unseen

Part 1 therapy session

Fatima: good morning we're here to see Dr.Reid please. Receptionist; your names please: Fatima: it's Zac and Fatima for 11:30am.
As the receptionist signed them in, Zac asked Fatima where did she find this doctor, in which she replied: a friend from work suggested him. Receptionist: you guys can follow me.
Dr. Reid: good morning please make yourselves comfortable. As you know I'm Dr.Reid how may I assist you both?
Fatima: Dr.Reid thank you for fitting us in. This is my fiancé Zac. Zac: nice to meet you Dr.Reid.
Dr.Reid : what seems to be the problem?
Both Zac and Fatima looked at each other.
Dr. Reid : how about this why don't each of you tell me about your relationship. Zac you can go first.
Zac: we'll we've been together a year. I love her more than anything. We're getting married in a few months and we have a baby girl together. Dr.Reid: is your relationship good? Zac: we have our issues like most couples. But I think we are good. Dr. Reid : Fatima...? Fatima: ummm, lately our relationship has been strained. We haven't communicated how we used to. I love him with everything in me.  Dr. Reid : ok guys I know this could be a bit taboo, but in order to fix your issues this has to be a safe space to discuss vent and get everything out without fear of judgement or persecution. How about I get things started by asking specific questions? They both agreed.
Dr.Reid : Zac what's one thing that Fatima is doing that you are completely and totally grateful for?
Zac: she's helping me raise my son, who is not hers biologically. He loves her too. She treats him as if he's hers.
Dr.Reid : what is something Fatima could work on?
Zac: she shuts down when we get into arguments. I hate that shit. I know it can be heated at times but shutting down is not the answer, at least not to me.
Dr. Reid: ok Zac last question before we move on to Fatima. What's something Fatima is doing that's making you angry, hurt or sad?
Zac looks at Fatima nervously unsure if he should tell his truth in front of mixed company. She nods her head in agreeance.
Zac: we'll for the last couple of weeks she's been withholding sex. Dr. Reid: and what emotion best describes how that makes you feel? Zac: honestly, sad. I want to make love to my future wife. I want to be able to release. I want her to want the same from me. Dr. Reid : ok Fatima before I as my questions to you I'd like you to respond to each of my questions for Zac as honest as you can.
Fatima: ok.... We'll firstly I know you appreciate me helping raise Jace. I don't require a thank you.  I love Jace as much as I love Ava and you. He's my son period. Ummm as far as shutting down, I am trying not too. A lot of times I shut down to dead the argument. I don't want to argue with my fiancé. Dr. Reid: what about the last question. Fatima: this is a loaded issue for me. Zac I'm not holding out on you. Zac: when's the last time we had sex Fatima? Fatima: Zac... really? Fatima looking embarrassed. Dr. Reid: Fatima remember safe space, but if your uncomfortable answering in front of me I won't push. Fatima: ummm... the last time we had sex was about a month ago. Zac: actually it's been 47 days. Fatima: your keeping count? Zac: I mean... Fatima; wow !! Zac
Dr.Reid: Fatima how do you feel about Zac saying he's sad you won't participate in sexual relations?
Fatima; I have nothing to say. Zac: see Dr. Reid this is what she does, shuts down! Fatima: I'm not shutting down, I'm processing. Zac: yeah by shutting down. Fatima: omg Zac, stop! Fatima is getting teary eyed and Dr.Reid asked if she needed a minute. Fatima; yes please, where are the rest rooms ? Dr.Reid: out the door to the left down the hall. As Fatima gets up, Zac try's to caress her arm and she pulls away aggressively. Dr.Reid : Zac how do you feel about how she's reacting to your questions. Zac: I don't like seeing her cry, Dr. Reid: tell her, she needs to hear that. When she returns, we will ask her the same questions , are you ready for her answers ?
Zac: ........