Counselors Conference

Posted on Wednesday 26 August 2020 @ 12:04 by Major Richard "Wolf" Johnson, Psy.D.

Mission: Race against the machine - Joint Mission with USS Andromeda
Location: =/\= Andromeda, Medical Deck =/\=
Timeline: Current
1165 words - 2.3 OF Standard Post Measure

Major Richard Johnson walked through the corridors after his session with Syvar, Andromeda's young AMO. The marine had beamed over after preparing a case report for the Andromeda counselor. Wolf was hand delivering bit rather than transmitting it over subspace in part to keep Syvars privilege and also because he did want to discuss the Doctors case, to him case reports were still only part of the story and didn't give the option for asking questions. As he walked into the outer office he smiled at the Petty Officer manning the reception desk, "hi, I'm Major Johnson from the Merlin, is Counselor Keading in?" he asked.

"Just a moment, sir," the young man replied and typed a message to the counselors terminal letting her know the Major was there, in case she was in a session.

The doors opened a moment later and True had gotten up from her desk to greet the person. "Major Johnson," she said with a warm smile. "What can I do for you?" Her office was immaculate with cool tones and lots of pillows and throws to keep people feeling safe and comfortable. She gestured for him to enter and headed for the replicator. "Would you like something to drink or eat?"

"Coffee, please," he replied as he looked around, "and I may need some decorating tips in addition to the other reason I came," he added with an approving nod before he held up the PADD he had after letting the doors close behind him, "I am doubling as a counselor on Merlin and had a consult I'd like to turn over to you, Ensign Syvar asked to speak with me. I have my initial report here."

"Ah, well every counselor wants to decorate their office differently I expect. I just went for . . . comfortable, soft, I suppose. Have a seat." True hoped he would save her the trouble of reading it. "Can you catch me up on it, otherwise this is going to be a very boring visit?"

Wolf nodded then chuckled as he sat down, "well, I try to be anything but boring," he replied and sat the PADD on the corner of the desk, "Ensign Syvar seems to me to be suffering from PTSD due to his encounters with the mirror universe officer when she tortured and manipulated him. He is reliving incidents with her through nightmare, which has the added effect of disturbing his sleep. While he was discussing it I could see him tear up and he went from upset to angry. He feels guilty, feels like he could have stopped what was going on," he explained then took a breath, "off the record, I do think there is more there, but, he said no and I do not know him well enough to contradict him, but, I still wanted to mention my impression since you do know him better."

"Ah yes, I spoke to him about it. To be honest I didn't think he was opening up completely to me either. The whole situation bothers me honestly. Not only is he dealing with this horrible situation, he's also attached himself to the person who looks most like the woman who did all this to him because they are one and the same and yet different. I don't think anyone has a real answer for what exactly to do in this situation. A new one for the books, but yes, I'm very concerned about the pair of them."

Johnson nodded, "he talked about that, that she had made him see her not the mirror and things like that," he replied and took a breath, "I think there may be some dependency there and I am almost sure there's at least some depression at play, I wanted him evaluated for antidepressants but he wouldn't even just do the eval, he started shutting down so I backed off of it. I did convince him to come see you for cognitive behavioral therapy, though, ten sessions to start," he added added and gave the counselor a smile, "I figured if there is something deeper than that should let you explore it as part of helping him with the PTSD," he added and took a sip of the coffee, "he is my first case in about a year, though, so my mariney sense may be mixing with my counselor sense," he added with a chuckle.

"Hmmm, I wonder." True said though she didn't explain. Why had he not come to see her in the first place? Did he not trust her? Surely there was no bad blood between them. She'd only been trying to help him and she'd given him the benefit of the doubt by not completely locking him up after finding out about his relationship with the other Ameilia. "Oh no, I think you're quite right. I will talk to him again, very soon. Thank you for bringing this to my attention though."

Richard nodded and smiled, "no problem," he replied, "and I focused on his symptoms and diagnosis first, but, he did say something about he contacted me because he's allergic to a pet you have?" he asked more than stated, "he holds you in very high regard, though."

"Ahhhh, Atlas. Yes, now that makes sense." In fact it made her feel a lot better. Perhaps that was the reason he'd not been to see her. "I have a kitten," she explained. "A holy terror with orange fur who one minute is the sweetest companion in the universe and the next is stealing the Captain's uniform . . . . uh, well he got into the holodeck you see and the Captain was skinny dipping. You know what, nevermind."

The Marine couldn't help but laugh, "now that sounds like an interesting story," he said and looked around to see if he could spot the troublemaker in question, "is Atlas waiting to pounce now?" he asked with a jovial smile.

"He's in my quarters, I try not to bring him to work with me for that reason. But I suppose residual hair and such would still make Syvar sneeze. I'll have to think about what to do about that." She seemed to start thinking immediately. "Anyway, thanks for bringing your concerns to me."

Richard nodded, "not a problem at all," he replied and stood with a smile, "I'll let you get back to work, and I'll keep you in the loop if Syvar meets with me again," he added, not wanting her to feel like he was interfering.

"Thank you," True smiled as she stood up to see him out. "Glad you stopped by. I appreciate you being honest with me."

Wolf nodded and extended his hand with a smile, "no problem, I appreciate you taking the time. It was good to meet you," he replied.

"Likewise." True took his hand, shook it and smiled as she watched him leave but once he was out of sight she rubbed her forehead and sighed. This job never got easy did it?

End