The Singer and the Fan: A Brave New Love

Dr. Sherry

"Hi, Ms. Johnson. It is a pleasure to finally meet you." Dr. Sherry announces as the two women are ushered into the private office.

"Thank you, Dr. Sherry. It's nice to meet you." Jo bids to the therapist

"And this must be your fiancée, Kassie."

Dr. Sherry reaches out to shake the curly head woman's hand.

"It's nice to meet you, Ms. Monroe."

"You two can just have a seat on that sofa, and I'll be right with you."

The couple sit right next to each other on the comfy sofa and settle in for the next hour.

"I was reading your email and it says that you are getting married and wanted to do some pre-marital counseling. Is that right?"

Dr. Sherry asks the two women as she sits in the chair across from them with a clip board and forms.

"Yes. We want to make sure that we have counseling and talk about what this next step in our lives will mean before we make our commitment." Kassie confidently admits.

Jo smiles at her fiancée's answer and nod along.

"I admire that." Dr. Sherry states.

She writes a few things on her clipboard and then look up at the couple.

"Well let's get started then."

"As we all know, marriage is a commitment between two people who may have differing views on certain issues. Rather that's marriage itself, financial responsibilities, raising children or sex."

"My idea of marriage counseling is to talk with the couple and allow them to express those certain issues that may evolve later on in your marriage. The idea for that is to see how well you will handle communication and conflict. The steps that you will take to de-escalate whatever problem that may arise."

Both of the women listen intently and nod along with the doctor.

"What I have here are a series of questions that I am going to ask you two. The way this is going to work, so that all of comments are heard without interruption. I will call on one of you to answer the question first."

"Once you are finished, the other would answer with their opinion. After that is over, we will then discuss any differing opinions of each other's answers.

"Okay. Don't seem too hard. Right babe?" Jo asks Kassie.

"Right babe. We got this!"
Kassie answers as she leans over and kisses Jo.

"Alright. I also want to point out that our goal here is to make sure that we are entering into a healthy marriage. One that we are prepared for whatever crises may arise and how well we would handle them together as a team."

"Alright, doc. I think we're ready." Kassie states.

"Okay, first question. Jo, why are you getting married?

Jo nods her head and look over to Kassie and smile.

She takes her fiancée hand and look her in the eyes.

"I'm getting married because I want to spend the rest of my life with Kassie Monroe."

Dr. Sherry writes a few comments down and then look up.

"Okay. Great answer. Kassie, can you tell me why you want to get married?"

"That's easy. I love Jo and nothing more will make me happier than spending the rest of my life with her."