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Side Sim: Counselling Suite - Seeking Assistance

Posted April 14, 2021, 2:20 p.m. by Lieutenant Tija Aizala (Visitor) (Silke Fahl)

Posted by Lieutenant Elin Mairwen Howell (Chief of Psychiatry) in Side Sim: Counselling Suite - Seeking Assistance

Posted by Lieutenant Tija Aizala (Visitor) in Side Sim: Counselling Suite - Seeking Assistance

Posted by Lieutenant Elin Mairwen Howell (Chief of Psychiatry) in Side Sim: Counselling Suite - Seeking Assistance
Posted by… suppressed (5) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)

“You have so much empathy towards others, I hope you will learn to turn some of it towards yourself. It is well that you are so forgiving of those who should have been there for you but now it is time for you to be there for yourself and to know that myself and many others are here for you too. Do you know much about the treatment for PTSD?

Lt. Elin Howell, COPsych

“Not in detail. I’m not a therapist after all. But I know that it’s mostly psychotherapy. And since PTSD often goes hand in hand with things as depression or anxiety, antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications are sometimes prescribed as well,” Aizala answered without hesitation before taking a sip of her tea. It was a mix of herbs from Bajor she found soothing, but also kept her alert and focused.

~Lt. Tija, Doctor (med leave)

bump :)

“Indeed. I like to steer away from the pharmaceutical side as much as possible but I will prescribe medication where necessary. Psychotherapy for PTSD can often be somewhat distressing, as it involves a fair amount of exploration of the events that led to it.” She paused for a moment to let Aizala absorb what she was hearing. “I’d like to start with weekly, or even twice a week sessions if you have the time. Right now my schedule is pretty open so why don’t you decide what days and times work for you and we will make a plan.”

Lt. Howell COPsych

Aizala couldn’t help but snort sightly, though she immediately apologised for it. “I’m sorry. I’m on medial leave and time is something I have more off than I’d like, to be honest. I’m not good at sitting around doing nothing while there are patients I could help. If I were allowed to. I know why not and rationally it makes absolut sense. And at the same time I struggle with it emotionally,” she admitted. “So twice a week would work well for me, I think.”

~Lt. Tija, Doctor (med leave)

“Very well,” Elin replied with a sympathetic smile. “I will put together a treatment schedule and send it to you shortly. For now I am well enough convinced that you are not a danger to yourself or anyone else outside of very specific conditions. You are clear to resume duties in shipboard General and Family Practice. Until we have a better handle on your treatment you will remain restricted from involvement in emergency and trauma response, surgery, intensive care, and medical away missions. If you are in agreement I will submit a report detailing the same to your file immediately.”

Dr. Elin Howell, COPsych

Aizala felt her jaw drop and what felt like an eternity her, she simply stared dumbfounded at Elin. When she she finally found her voice again, it was thick with emotion. “Are you sure?” she asked in disbelief. “You are really clearing me for duty in shipboard general and family practice?” She knew she should feel excited, but right now she was simply too overwhelmed to know what she was feeling. She had expected to be off duty for several more weeks at best, maybe even months. She had been afraid that she wouldn’t be allowed back until she was fully well. And who knew how long that might take. Being allowed on light duty so quickly was utterly unexpected and to her surprise she suddenly felt a tear roll down her cheek. Bowing and turning her head, she quickly brushed it away, hoping that Elin hadn’t noticed.

~Lt. Tija, Doctor

Elin’s ever present smile went from sympathetic to kind and motherly at the first real display of emotion she had seen from the Lt. She felt as though she was finally seeing a bit of the real Aizala. While she noted the tear she refrained letting it be known. “Your record up until that event was more then exemplary Dr. Tija. As long as we are actively working on your mental health I don’t see any reason why you shouldn’t be working in a limited capacity. In truth I would consider it part of your treatment. PTSD is something you have to work through, not around.” Elin paused to let the Lt. absorb what she was saying before continuing. “I have an assignment for you as you start to work again. Pay attention to your feelings and reactions, both positive and negative. Try to identify those things that trigger them and keep record of them for your next appointment. Check in with me anytime you need in between as well. I will trust you to remove yourself from any situation that threatens to overwhelm you and to report in if that occurs as well. Does this plan agree with you?”

Dr. Elin Howell COPsych

Looking back up again and straight at Elin, Aizala nodded. “It does. Thank you Counsellor,” she replied and then fell silent for a short moment as she thought some more about the task the Counsellor had set her. Eventually she asked, “How detailed do you want me to be when I take those notes?”

~Lt. Tija, Doctor


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