Dr. Fletcher

(writing notes) Jason wrote on www.helpmypatients.com: "Try exposure therapy with Gary... Force him to touch a newspaper and gradually work through his anxiety."

Dr. Fletcher

Gary, I'm sorry about the medication. It seems like it wasn't the time for that. But I think we have to keep moving with treatment ideas. So today we're going to try exposure therapy. That's where you're going to be exposed to something that is contaminated to you, and the idea is just to work though it. To have your composure and not to let it get to you. To get accustomed. But first, why don't you just tell me how your week has been.

Gary

Well, it was a great week, actually. Started out on Monday - we had a raffle at work. It's a pre-Christmas thing we do every year. And I was really gunning for that video iPod. But in the end I won a trip to this day spa.

It was probably a really good thing for me. I've been so wound up with work. I haven't really ever been pampered like that. I'm not really one to be touched by other people. But it was great. I went in and they started out with a full-body massage by these beautiful Thai women.

Dr. Fletcher

That sounds really luxuriant, really relaxing.

(throwing newspaper at Gary)

Gary

Yeah, and then they put these warm rocks on my chest. It was really amazing.

Dr. Fletcher

That's terrific.

(throwing newspaper at Gary)

Gary

And they did incense therapy. I just felt like I had sunken into the table. Is that newspaper?

Dr. Fletcher

Yeah. Just work through it, Gary. Just relax and it's not a big deal.

(throwing newspaper at Gary)

Gary

I left and I was feeling totally renewed.

Dr. Fletcher

That's great.

Gary

I went out in the parking lot and I went to my car. And there was the most beautiful sunset in the world. It was red and yellow and green - not green. It was so beautiful. I just stood by my car and I just watched it for fifteen minutes and I didn't think about anything else except the sunset.

(dodging newspaper and weeping)

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