Dr. Fletcher

(writing notes) Dave Lesser wrote on www.helpmypatients.com: "my therapist did this with devastating effectiveness: just stop paying attention when the patient gets off course and is running in circles." I took Dave's advice and turned my head in this session every time Marty mentioned his dog, Susan.

Marty

I've been trying something lately. I've been trying to be social without Susan and having some friends over. So it's not working too well, actually, because any time somebody comes over it reminds me of Susan.

And... are you listening?

Dr. Fletcher

Yeah. You were saying -

Marty

You keep looking away.

Dr. Fletcher

You've had people over, and you were having games -

Marty

Have you had a hard day?

Dr. Fletcher

No. Please say more about -

Marty

Just wanted to be sure. So they come over. When people come to the house I'm used to having Susan right next to me on... you keep looking away.

Dr. Fletcher

No, I apologize. Why don't you keep telling -

Marty

This is very important. I'm try to - alright. So they come over. So when Fred, my friend Fred, came over - he's one of the people Susan liked better than others. She would come up to him and... you don't seem to be listening to what I'm saying.

Dr. Fletcher

No, I'm sorry. Why don't you continue about Fred? Who is Fred? How do you know him?

Marty

Fred is a friend of mine and one of the people that Susan particularly... are you listening?

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