Revealing silences

Looking for Help?

The high school buzzed with a strange excitement as students moved between classes, discussing the mysterious summons to the school psychologist. Whispers circulated about various concerns: family problems, social difficulties, or even pressures related to the approaching final exams.

For Emma Thompson, the invitation to see Dr. Parker stirred mixed feelings. Emma glanced at her reflection in the bathroom mirror, trying to muster some courage. Her eyes were slightly reddened from tears, but she made an effort to appear as calm and composed as possible. She knew this session with Dr. Parker was important, but that did little to ease her apprehension. Taking a deep breath, she left the bathroom and walked slowly to the psychologist's office. The corridors seemed quieter than usual, each step echoing in the emptiness. She had always been good at hiding her feelings, blending in, and avoiding attention. But today, she would have to confront her demons.

The door to Dr. Parker's office was slightly ajar, and Emma knocked softly before entering. Dr. Parker, a middle-aged woman with glasses and a warm smile, stood up to greet her. "Hello, Emma. Please come in," she said, indicating a comfortable chair near her desk. Emma sat down, trying to calm her rapidly beating heart. "Hello, Dr. Parker."

"How are you feeling today?" asked Dr. Parker, her voice soft and comforting. Emma hesitated for a moment before responding. "A little nervous, I suppose. Talking about certain things is difficult."

Dr. Parker nodded understandingly. "It's normal to feel this way. Take your time. We're here to explore what you feel ready to share." Emma took a deep breath. "Well... I guess I should start with my brother. He has always been there for me, like a shield against the world."

Dr. Parker listened attentively, encouraging Emma to continue. "Ryan... he was killed a few years ago," Emma said, her voice trembling. "A man broke into our house. Ryan tried to protect my family. He... he was killed trying to defend us." Tears began to flow, but Emma let them come this time, not trying to hold them back. Dr. Parker offered her a box of tissues, and Emma took one, wiping her cheeks.

"I am so sorry for your loss, Emma. It's an extremely difficult thing to go through. How do you feel about it now?" asked Dr. Parker gently.

"I feel guilty," Emma admitted, her hands shaking slightly. "He was always there for me, and I couldn't do anything for him. I often wonder if I could have done anything—anything—to save him."

"It is natural to feel guilty in such situations, but it's important to remember that it was not your fault. Ryan made a brave choice to protect those he loved. It was an act of love, and it doesn't diminish your value or what you have experienced," replied Dr. Parker, her voice filled with compassion.

Emma nodded, trying to accept these words but still feeling a weight on her heart. "I know, but sometimes it's hard not to think about what I could have done differently."

"These thoughts are common and understandable. It's essential to find ways to live with this pain without it consuming you. Have you ever talked to anyone else about your feelings?" asked Dr. Parker.

"Not really," Emma admitted. "Recently, I started talking a little about it with Liam. He too has his own struggles, and it helps to know that I'm not alone."

"This is a great start. Sharing your feelings with trusted friends can be very therapeutic. We can also work on strategies to help you manage these feelings of guilt and sadness," suggested Dr. Parker.

Emma nodded, feeling a glimmer of hope. "I'm ready to try. I don't want to feel like this anymore, always stuck in the past."

"We will work on it together," assured Dr. Parker. "You are not alone in this process. There are ways to heal and find a new path."