Dr. Daniel Fletcher
You say unethical, I say resourceful.
Session#95: Marty, 01/10/06 (3:45)
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[X] Marty - Session#95 Transcript
Dr. Fletcher
(writing notes) Jude Crane wrote on www.helpmypatients.com: "When you're in mourning it's sometimes a good idea to pretend that you can still talk to the person who's gone. If Marty hasn't tried that it could be just what he needs."
Marty
In my thoughts about Susan I've been thinking a lot lately about how I didn't get to give her a proper goodbye. I really didn't get to do it like I wanted to.
Dr. Fletcher
Why is that?
Marty
She became sick and things seemed to be alright and then suddenly she got worse very quickly and died before I had a chance to really say my goodbyes to her.
Dr. Fletcher
Do you have an idea of what you wanted to say to her?
Marty
I do - the sort of things I would say to her every day. You know, that I love you and -
Dr. Fletcher
You know what, I think it might be interesting if - if you'd like you could sort of pretend that I'm Susan in my last days and then maybe you could sort of get it all out in a way that feels like you're sort of capturing the completeness of your feelings.
Marty
Alright, I'm willing to give it a try if you think it will help.
Dr. Fletcher
Yeah.
Marty
So you'll be Susan?
Dr. Fletcher
Yeah.
Marty
Well, I would be holding Susan in my arms when I was doing this. And I would say, Susan, we've had a really special relationship that's meant more to me than anything in the whole world.
Dr. Fletcher
Well, it has been special and I appreciate the petting and the feeding especially.
Marty
She wouldn't say that.
Dr. Fletcher
Why don't you just stay on your side of it and let the feelings come through and I'll be Susan.
Marty
Alright, I'll give it a try. I would say, I love you, Susan. You have been the most important relationship and connection in my whole life.
Dr. Fletcher
You've been so important in providing food in my bowl. I think that that has always been top notch.
Marty
I don't think that's what Susan - Susan wouldn't say that.
Dr. Fletcher
OK, well, why don't you stick with your side and I'll be Susan and you'll get out the feelings.
Marty
Alright, I'll try again. So I would say to her that one of the most important things that I've liked about you in my life is the special connection that we have and how we're able to eat together and walk together and when I'm reading and you're sitting next to me - I'm going to miss all that very much and I'll never forget you.
Dr. Fletcher
Well, you know, eating and walking, those are the two things that I enjoy and I'm glad that every day I get to eat and I get to take a walk -
Marty
I'm sorry. This isn't working. Susan wouldn't say that.
Dr. Fletcher
Why don't you stay with your part and I'll be Susan. Why don't you continue with what you were saying.
Marty
I'd say, Susan, I'm going to miss our walks a lot. But it's our love, our special relationship that I'm going to miss the most.
Dr. Fletcher
For me it's sort of the staples of daily life -
Marty
Listen, I don't think you're doing this right. I don't think Susan would be that way. We had a special relationship.
Marty (Tuesdays)
Marty is in his seventh year of dedicated grief for Susan, his deceased collie.[Patient History]
[Suggest Treatment]
Session#95: Marty, 01/10/06
Used suggestion from viewer Jude Crane
Gave M the chance to talk to me as if I were Susan on deathbed
M aggravated by Susan's responses
