"Often, the use of a hypothetical situation will allow a person to deal with underlying issues in their relationships. In this case, imagine that your partner has just told you that they were leaving their current position and moving a significant distance away, severing your relationship. I want you both to write a letter to your partner responding to this news. Tell the other how you would feel if they were to leave. You can give it to me in our next session, and we'll go from there."
"Why do we have to pretend we're six and use our imagination? I think I saw this on Mr. Rogers neighborhood once...you remember him Sweets ...bet you still watch him... explains the sweaters.. "
"Booth be nice. But I agree, why do we have to do this? It seems fairly pointless. If one of us were to consider leaving, I'm sure we would talk to the other before making such an important decision."
"Really? You'd ask me about it first?"
"Well, not ask, per say. But I would tell you ahead of time so that we could talk and I wouldn't have to leave with any hard feelings between us. Would you ask?"
"Really, Bones. It took me forever to find the diner with the best pie, do you think I'd abandon that?...So, that solves the problem, we're done. Come on Bones."
"You didn't answer the question Booth."
"You know what Bones? I would. Are you happy now?" Booth slumped down in the chair, crossing his arm and turning slightly away from his partner. He was hurt but was trying valiantly to not show it.
"So, it seems we do have an issue here. Dr. Brennan would not ask before severing the partnership, but Agent Booth would. I think this is something you two need to work through. The best way to start would be for you both to write the letters as I said and we can discuss them in your next session."