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by Edna Wallace, LMFT
Edna Wallace, LMFT, is a long-time therapist at El Camino Hospital working in the Adult Mood Program for Depression and Anxiety and the OATS program for older adults. She has a private practice in Los Altos. She worked for a decade on the Luncheon Committee for SCV-CAMFT and has been a luncheon presenter as well. Edna is an avid writer in her spare time.
Pandemic Therapy
I see no reason why I’ve been locked out of the second bedroom. I don’t disturb anyone. I’d just sit on my orange towel on the bed and listen to Mom, just like I do when they have their movies going. Mom’s talking to people; I guess it’s called counseling. It’s very interesting hearing about these marriage problems and these kids not doing well and folks challenged by negative thoughts. I have negative thoughts too. Like right now. I’m unhappy with Mom and Dad. What Mom tells her clients can help me too. So when Mom closes the door, I’m going to let her know that’s not okay: “Meow!” Dad scurries over, whispering “shhhh.” He picks me up and drops me in the living room. He’s telling me to be quiet. But I go back outside that door. I meow once more. Here comes Dad, running towards me. He whispers “you gotta be quiet, don’t disturb Mommy.” Back on the living room rug I land. I glare at Dad. This time, I’m going somewhere else. Somewhere close. I enter Mom and Dad’s room, right at the corner, where I can peek around and see the closed door of the second bedroom. I’m quiet, since meowing doesn't help. I can just make out Mom’s voice. She has that gentle tone she uses when she cuddles me. I can’t hear her client. What a bummer! But it’s better than nothing. I settle down to listen for the minutes left of the session. I really don’t understand why I can’t be there. Just another disappointment….
Signed,
Hobbes
On the other hand...
In contrast to Hobbes’ intense interest in his mom’s therapy sessions, Millie (left photo) is blissfully unaware of the therapy when she is in the room with her mom, Rowena Dodson, LMFT, sleeping with her transitional object.
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