The Past Within - Mialotte - TNN

Music

Based on a true story

The following week, Charlotte returned to her therapist's office, feeling a mix of anticipation and apprehension. The memory of the previous session, where she had unburdened herself emotionally, was still fresh in her mind. She hoped to continue making progress and find more clarity about her feelings.

As she settled into the comfortable chair across from her therapist, Charlotte took a deep breath. The room was softly lit, the calm environment a stark contrast to the whirlwind of emotions she had been navigating.

"So, Charlotte," her therapist began gently, "how have you been since our last session?"

Charlotte took a moment to gather her thoughts. "It's been a bit of a rollercoaster, honestly. But I had a chance to reflect on some things, especially after talking with Mia. It helped me think about how I used to cope with emotions when I was younger."

Her therapist nodded, encouraging her to continue. "What did you realize about your past coping mechanisms?"

Charlotte's expression softened as she thought about her sister, Steph. "I remember how Steph used to help me deal with my emotions through music. She was always really into it—playing the guitar, singing, making up songs. Whenever things were rough, she'd sit down with me and we'd play together. It was like our own little escape from everything."

She smiled at the memory, her eyes brightening. "Steph had this way of turning everything into a song. If we were sad, she'd create a melody to match how we felt. If we were happy, she'd find a tune that made us laugh. It was like music was her way of making sense of the world, and she used it to help me find my own way through my feelings."

Her therapist leaned forward slightly, interested. "How did this approach to music affect you? What role did it play in your emotional well-being?"

Charlotte's smile grew a little wistful. "It was really comforting. When Steph played, it was like the music spoke for me when I couldn't find the words. It helped me process what I was going through without having to explain it all out loud. I remember feeling lighter after those sessions, like the weight of whatever was troubling me had been lifted, even if just a little bit."

She paused, reflecting on the impact. "Music became a kind of refuge for me. It wasn't always about solving problems or fixing things—it was just about feeling understood and connected. It made me realize that it was okay to express my emotions, even if I didn't have the right words to describe them."

Her therapist nodded thoughtfully. "It sounds like music played a significant role in helping you process your emotions and feel a sense of connection. Do you think there's a way to incorporate that same sense of comfort and expression into your current life?"

Charlotte considered this, her gaze thoughtful. "I haven't really thought about it lately. I used to listen to music a lot, but I stopped for a while, especially after everything with the divorce. Maybe I should start again. It might help me reconnect with those feelings and find a way to deal with them more constructively."

Her therapist smiled encouragingly. "Reconnecting with music could be a powerful tool for you. It's a way to revisit those comforting practices from your past and integrate them into your present life. It might also help you explore and express your emotions in a new, creative way."

Charlotte nodded, feeling a glimmer of hope. "I think I'll give it a try. It might be just what I need to help me work through things."

Her therapist's voice was gentle but firm. "It's a positive step forward. Remember, the goal is to find ways to support yourself and to use the tools that resonate with you. Music was a meaningful part of your past, and it can certainly be a part of your healing process now."