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from 'Self-harm'


Through the walls Dr. Burroughs continued to be heard shouting at poor, nervous Amy. Paul was sure that everyone in the building could hear the man’s murderous cries and he kind of hoped that Dr. Anxious would have a crack at some of this shouting lark as well. It would certainly liven up the proceedings. Still, they can try anything they want on me, Paul felt, my depression will never dispel.

Out in the reception area Blake was thinking the same thing about Hope Street’s therapy methods. Unquestionably tough stuff—bloody violent! Amy’s keening sobs coming through the walls had set him right on edge. It was his turn to gnaw at a forefinger.

In Room 6 Ben Anxious was eager to wrap things up and end his first session with Paul Pubb. Throughout their brief consultation, he’d deliberately avoided mentioning Paul’s egregious act of self-harm—the destruction of the index finger. Ben decided he might broach the subject in the third or fourth session if he felt the therapy was progressing well. He had also failed to follow up on Paul’s remarks about feeling tormented by the seasons. All in all, it had been quite a cursory opener. In conclusion, Ben simply said:

 “You’re improving, you’re improving, one day it will just come to you, this business of living.”

Ó Brian Ahern 2011

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