I See, I See (Judy/Stryker)

[stryker aune]

Sven closed his eyes as he thought about that. The attack was traumatic. So was all the ridicule he endured for years leading up to it. Years of being called names and bullied. It made some sense.

"Is there a cure?"

[Judith Eastman]

[Judy's Office]

Judy shook her head very slowly and gently, her short ponytail shaking almost in tandem.
"I wish there was," she said gravely. "I wish there was."

She straightened out her paperwork, then looked back up at Sven.
"There are treatments and therapies that can help you lead a healthy, happy, and productive life."

[stryker aune]

Sven didn't like the idea of treatments and therapies, but he did recognize he needed help. Having put a name to his disorder made it more real, but he now could take control of it.

"What do I need to do?" he asked, looking up at Judy for the first time.

[Judith Eastman]

[Judy's Office]

Judy appreciated Sven finally looking up at her. It took him a while, but he came through. They all did, in due course. All it took was for her to listen and be patient.

"The goal of the therapy is to bring you to a happy place when you feel anxious or when you're reminded of the attack. For that, we need to find things that make you happy."

Judy stroked her chin for a moment in thought.
"Bridge, Tunnel, come here!" she then called out. Promptly, two corgis clad in "therapy dog" vests emerged from beyond the beaded curtain. They sniffed Sven curiously, and made puppy eyes at him.

[stryker aune]

[Judy's Office]

Sven looked down at the Corgies with a wooly eye. Reluctantly he extended a hand for them to sniff. He wasn't really a "pet" person. He took a deep breath.

"Okay, so how do we do that?" he asked trying to think up things that made him happy.

[Judith Eastman]

[Judy's Office]

Judy observed her therapy list and crossed out "support animals". This clearly wasn't coming naturally to Sven, so it wasn't a route they were going to go down.

"We keep searching," Judy explained. "If you can think of something that makes you happy, that makes it easier, but if not, we can just keep trying things."

[stryker aune]

[Judy's Office]

Sven thought about that for a moment.
What made him happy?

He had competed once in a bodybuilding competition, and placed 2nd. Though being in front of people was nerve wracking he was pleased with himself and what he accomplished.

"I did compete once, and did well. And I felt satisfaction and happy with myself." But I'm not sure exactly what it is you mean by what brings me happiness.

He leaned forward thinking.

"I enjoy cyberpunk holo-novels."

[Judith Eastman]

[Judy's Office]

The dogs quickly realized that this patient didn't really want their help, so they made their way to Judy. She scratched their backs, patted them, and otherwise showed love to her furbabies.

"Well, that's a start. We can use that for a few exercises," Judy explained. "The simplest one I know, and one that I use almost every day, involves closing your eyes, taking deep breaths, and imagining a time you were happy. Do you want to try that?"

[stryker aune]

[Judy's Office]

Sven felt a bit apprehensive. But he was feeling better and it seemed things were moving along. He watched the dogs get there scritches for a moment before consenting with a nod.

[Judith Eastman]

[Judy's Office]

"We do it for about 30 seconds at a time," Judy explained. "I'll do it with you."

Judy leaned back in the couch, relaxed her arms, and then counted backwards.
"Three, two, one."

Then, she closed her eyes, took deep breaths, and visualized the family vacation home in the Hamptons, where she spent so many happy weekends.

After 30 seconds, she opened her eyes again and looked at Sven.

[stryker aune]

[Judy's Office]

Sveb followed her lead. He closed his eyes and conjured up the memory of placing second and the pride he felt. The acknowledgement of all the hard work and dedication he had put into the sport. He felt better, but wasn't sure if it would be enough to help him when the anger monkies came calling. Did he need something more intimate?

He opened his eyes.

[Judith Eastman]

[Judy's Office]

Judy looked at Sven. He looked like he'd gotten something out of it, but expected more.

"We'll have to have regular check-ups over subspace to see, but I think this therapy will serve you well," she remarked. "Now, let's try a few more ideas, to see if they work. Have you ever played an instrument, and do you enjoy music?"

[stryker aune]

Sven thought about that,

"I used to play the guitar. But that was a long time ago."

And that was true, be use to play it before the incident.

"But it's been so long, I don't even think I'd remember how."

[Judith Eastman]

[Judy's Office]

"I play guitar," Judy pointed out. "Have done so for over 40 years. It can be quite therapeutic."

Judy walked through the beaded curtain, and returned with two guitars - one acoustic and one electric.
"Do you want to give it a try?"

[stryker aune]

[Judy's Office]

Sven nodded, reaching out to take the acoustic he plucked the strings and adjusted the tuning nobs, though it only needed a minor adjustment. He started strumming, his fingers at first unsure on the fret board, but as the minutes wore on the began to move with more ease striking up an old tune.