Anathema

Chapter Six... This Did Not Happen

Monday Morning

Today was Kali's first day back at work since Friday. She didn't really know how to feel about these last couple of days. Her emotions had been all over the place in just the span of 48 hours.

She sat next to the therapist Mr.Paz, listening to him talk to his client while siring her Stanley filled halfway with spite and 3 shots of Lunazul.

The client, Jacob Thomas, with an Anger Issue diagnosis, appointed to them the first time today.

Since Kali was a part of an apprenticeship, she hadn't had her own clients yet. Anything she did was with Mr. Paz. She had been working under him for about 2 years now and she is positive she's more than ready to take her own clients.

Mr. Paz handed Kali Jacob's file, and she scanned it quickly. The list of charges was staggering: attempted murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, possession in the third degree, domestic violence - all starting at the age of 17. Kali's eyes widened as she looked up at Jacob, who fidgeted with his fingers, betraying his nervousness. I should be the one scared.

Most patients they receive are court-ordered or recommendations. People hardly seek out therapists on their own, especially mental health patients.

Kali wasn't limited to Mental Health patients, she's seen and worked with all kinds of people.
Helping people overcome mental health challenges by creating a safe and supportive space to share their thoughts and feelings.

Assessing her clients' needs, along with Mr.Paz identifying patterns and issues, and setting goals for personal growth and improvement.

She provides emotional support, monitors progress, and makes referrals to other professionals when needed.

I think I might need a therapist Kali thought.

She loved her job. She loved the thought of helping others, even if she was the one that needed help. When it was time to be professional, Kali locked completely in and did the best she could do at her job, always putting her best foot forward.

Jacob was the only client on a Monday so after an Hour it was time for them to wrap everything up.

"Ms.Jones, you graduate on —"Kali finished his sentence, "Wednesday. This upcoming Wednesday."

Mr.Paz nodded, "Ok cool. So tomorrow you'll be in your own office, I'll show you it tomorrow & you're going to get a new set of clientele. You've shown lots of improvement these last couple of months and if you ever need anything, you know where to find my office."

Kali beamed with pride as Mr. Paz praised her progress. She had worked tirelessly to hone her skills and prove herself as a capable therapist. The thought of having her own office and clients thrilled her, but also sparked a hint of anxiety. Was she truly ready for this level of responsibility?

As she packed up her things, Mr. Paz's words echoed in her mind: "If you ever need anything, you know where to find my office." Kali wondered if she'd ever take him up on that offer. She had always been hesitant to seek help for herself, fearing it would be seen as a sign of weakness. But lately, the weight of her own struggles had begun to bear down on her.

"Thanks, Mr. Paz," Kali said, smiling. "I won't let you down."

"I know you won't, Kali," he replied, his eyes warm with encouragement. "You're an exceptional therapist. Just remember, taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your clients."

Kali nodded, the words resonating deep within her. Maybe it was time to take her own advice and confront her demons.

Kali felt overwhelmed. It clicked that this was their goodbye. This would be the last time they would work together and it felt bittersweet. "Of course, thank you so much for everything you've done for me since the start of this. I feel extremely confident Mr.Paz!"