Empathy No. 105
DR. BRAWNEY: Roderick, I'm very glad that you've chosen to continue our sessions.
RODERICK: I'm only here because it makes Mom happy.
DR. BRAWNEY: First, I would like to ask you a few questions about your day-to-day experiences. We won't need to talk about anything specific in the past at this time.
RODERICK: Fine, go ahead.
DR. BRAWNEY: In the last few weeks, have you experienced any dizziness or nausea while at school or out in public?
RODERICK: No.
DR. BRAWNEY: Have you had any headaches that are worse than normal or last longer than normal?
RODERICK: No.
DR. BRAWNEY: Have you had any nightmares?
RODERICK: No.
DR. BRAWNEY: Roderick, I only want you to be honest with me. I have heard that your behavior has been different, that you have been more withdrawn. Can you explain that to me?
RODERICK: I don't know what you want from me.
DR. BRAWNEY: Have you been experiencing dizziness or nausea?
RODERICK: No worse that normal. I deal with it like I always do.
DR. BRAWNEY: You have had dizzy spells before? For how long?
RODERICK: I don't know. Since I was seven, or maybe before that. It doesn't happen that much.
DR. BRAWNEY: You never told anyone?
RODERICK: It's not that big a deal. I can cope.
DR. BRAWNEY: Was it ever concerning to you?
RODERICK: I told you, it's not a big deal. Sometimes I just need to sit down for a minute and then I'm fine.
DR. BRAWNEY: Are you being forthright, Roderick?
RODERICK: ...Sometimes I was afraid that I was dying. It was easier not to talk about that. Not worry anyone else.
DR. BRAWNEY: Do you ever feel that you're a burden on others?
RODERICK: I know that I am. I'm only here by mistake.
DR. BRAWNEY: Roderick, no one can medicate you against your will, but I do think that an anti-anxiety medication could improve your life. You're a very rational young man. If you can give me a rational reason why you are refusing, then I won't bring it up again.
RODERICK: I don't need it. You don't believe me, nobody believes anything that I say. Everyone thinks that they know my life more than me. All I can do is keep saying it.