Matthew C Cox Blog

When Tommy arrives for his next appointment with Amy, one of her co-workers is in the office.

Tommy recognizes Pedro so he isn’t surprised. Pedro is Amy’s supervisor and he often observes sessions.

“Tommy, do you remember Pedro?”

“Yes.”

“He has a few things to share with you. Would it be OK if we begin our session with his thoughts?”

“Sure.”

Amy leans back into her chair, crosses her legs, and turns her attention to Pedro.

“Tommy, Amy and I have worked together for several years and, as you know, I often help with her clients. Truthfully, what I’m about to say it outside the realm of the normal patient/therapist relationship. However, in our professional opinion, we believe it is in your best interest to hear this information.

Normally, Amy would share this but she’s not sure she can say it so she asked me to help.”

Tommy’s gaze shifts from Pedro to Amy. Amy’s stoic gaze doesn’t betray her growing emotion.

“When Amy told me about your last session, I thought it was an interesting story. I considered the medical and psychological causes for your experience. Why would your subconscious reach out to Amy and, when she didn’t appear, create her mother?

At first, I thought it was some kind of warped Oedipus complex where your subconscious thought the mother could bring you greater comfort than the daughter.”

Tommy doesn’t understand the reference. He nods anyway. Pedro often rambles into theories that don’t make sense to Tommy. He knows that if he pretends to listen and understand, he shortens Pedro’s visits.

“Then, Amy told me something else – something personal that we find quite remarkable.”

Amy uncrosses and re-crosses her legs.

“The time of your last attack, the attack where Amy’s mother appeared to you, coincides exactly with the time of her death.

Amy’s mother died at 2 AM on that Tuesday morning, and, since that day, Amy had struggled with what to do with her mother’s possessions.

When you came in for your appointment several days later and began your descriptions, Amy first thought it was just a coincidence. Then, the more you said, the more she wondered if her mom had appeared to you. You perfectly described her mom, the rings, and dresses. In fact, you were so clear and specific that you answered every question Amy had about her mom’s death.

Amy has no doubts that her mom spoke to you.”

Amy uncrosses her legs and leans forward.

“Personally, I’m thankful for this experience. Professionally, I’m amazed. My mother’s ghost or spirit or something appeared to you, spoke to you, eased your attack and then, gave you specific instructions for me…”

The words hang in the air as Tommy, Pedro, and Amy say through teary eyes what can’t be said with words.

Amy ends the silent conversation by wiping her eyes.

“Have you had any attacks since your last visit?”

“No, none at all.”

Amy silently opens her mouth. Pedro speaks.

“Since that’s the case, how would you feel about having a short session today? I think it would be best for everyone.”

Tommy nods, Amy agrees, and they go their separate ways connected by an experience none of us will forget.

In my next post, I’ll share what I learned from this remarkable story. I invite you to do the same through commenting on today’s post.

Tags: angels, ghosts, nightmare, PTSD, therapy

This entry was posted on Wednesday, November 11th, 2009 at 6:50 am and is filed under Personal Peace of Mind. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.