Therapy*
"How can I help you?" Doctor Ray Martinez asked as he entered Marty's room.
"I think, well I'm pretty certain that I have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder," Marty explained.
"I see, should we discuss this more in private?" Ray asked as he looked at Todd.
"I would rather Todd stay at least for this first session," Marty whispered.
"I am fine with that as long as you are, however if you change your mind you just need to say the word. What was the traumatic event?"
"Up to you," Todd said when Marty looked at him.
"I was gang raped at a party in May by Todd, and his two fraternity brothers Zach Rosen and Powell Lord. In the beginning, I had a hard time sleeping. I can sleep now, but during the day sometimes I see Zach and Powell when they couldn't possibly be there. Noise of any kind startles me, and takes me back to the night of the rape. I'm afraid of everything. The slightest touch by anyone, even a close friend makes my skin crawl. I thought that with time everything would get better, but it feels like things are getting worse not better. I have been using Alcohol and drugs to make some of the pain go away, but that's been making things worse as well."
"Why did you want Todd to stay when he has hurt you so badly?" Ray asked. He was curious to find out if Todd's presence made Marty's symptoms worse or better.
"In the beginning I hated seeing Todd. Every time I was around him, it hurt to breathe and I felt frozen in fear. When I came back to Llanview, he sought me out to apologize to me, he's been trying to make amends and strangely enough, overtime he's helped me. He's the reason why my nightmares at night went away. He encouraged me to see you today and I thought that I would be more comfortable with him here," Marty admitted honestly.
"I see, I would like to recommend that my colleague Sheila Carter take over your counseling for one on one sessions, and I will continue to counsel Todd. Sheila is an excellent rape counselor, and I know that she can help you with your PTSD as well. I would also like to suggest group counseling where, Sheila and you would meet with me and Todd to discuss the rape and your mutual feelings about that. Is this something that you would be open to?" Ray asked as he looked at Marty.
"Yes, I think that would help," she said.
"Todd?" Ray asked.
"I'll do whatever helps Marty."
"I think it will help you as well," Ray stated.
"Whatever, I'm in," Todd stated.
"When would you like to start?" Marty asked.
"I would like you to go to rehab, but we should be able to have some of our counseling sessions while you are in recovery," Ray stated.
"Rehab?" Marty asked.
"Yes, you've indicated using drugs and alcohol as a crutch. I would like to make sure that we have both of those addictions addressed before we start treatment."
"What about school?" Marty asked.
"Don't worry about school, you can finish the rest of your courses online. I will clear it with all of your teachers and the rehab facility," Ray stated.
"Okay, when will I go to rehab?" Marty asked.
"Tomorrow morning," Ray stated.
"Okay," Marty stated.
"The first week, you won't be able to have visitors while you detox, but after that Sheila will come see you and explain more about the group therapy," Ray said.
"Okay, thanks for your help," Marty said.
"Todd, I think that we should let Marty rest now as she has a busy day tomorrow," Ray stated.
"Oh, okay, I'll see you later," Todd said.
"Goodbye," Marty said as Ray and Todd left her room.