“I heard I can say anything here.”

People came to see me at the cancer center for a variety of reasons but it was usually for the effects of cancer treatment. This one was a new one for me.

Karen had heard about me from another patient. Patients often meet in support groups and waiting areas, sharing information about what’s working for them and who they trust. Karen came for her appointment, lay down and said “I hear that you can come here and say anything that you want to.” I said that was true, but I couldn’t comment on what might be said since I wasn’t a licensed social worker or psychologist. I was however, a very good listener.  And so she began.

For three sessions she talked non-stop. The subjects were varied, sometimes around treatments, her physicians and the staff. Then there was her the issues with her family and friends. Work, life, her future, nothing was off the table. She spoke from the moment she lay down until the session was finished. She enjoyed each session and looked forward to returning.

The fourth treatment started the same. Lots of talk about things she wasn’t happy about and the past. Then suddenly it stopped. There was nothing left to say and she dropped into a deep sleep between sentences. It was as if all that pent up emotional energy had finally left her body. She awoke refreshed and happy. She never returned for another treatment.