Couples Therapy

Couples Therapy

By

Claude Truveau

Doctor Albany led Brett and Jules into her office and offered them their choice of seats. Brett assisted Jules onto the right side of the couch and he took the left. The office was on the third floor of a Mental Health Counseling Center and offered a nice view of the town square below.

After a few pleasantries, and getting everyone settled, Doctor Albany provided a brief snapshot of what would be her initial approach. "I want to begin with you, Brett. As you are why we are all here today. Is that okay?"

"Yes, that's fine. You are correct, I researched available therapists and you have come highly recommended."

"Terrific. We are all aligned. I want to start with some of your main issues that are causing challenges at this point in your marriage."

"Well, technically, we are not married. We are common law. I thought I indicated this on the intake form?"

"Ah yes, my mistake. I apologize. Please continue."

Brett took a deep breath. "I feel that there are some significant issues that are compromising our relationship. I'm grateful for your time today, providing a forum for a deeper look and some hopeful resolution."

Doctor Albany focused in on Brett. "Why don't we start with how you met Jules."

"We met online about 18 years ago now. I brought Jules to live with me in my home within a few weeks. Now it's our home of course."

"That's a very short courtship," Doctor Albany replied.

"Yes, but I knew she was the one from the start. It was just a matter of figuring out the logistics."

"How has your home life been for the most part over the course of your relationship?"

"One of the positives is our sex life. Jules is very receptive to my needs, and always has been."

"What are some of the other positives?" Doctor Albany took a sip of tea.

"Well, Jules is low maintenance, if you know what I mean. She keeps the main areas of the house neat and tidy, never creating much if any disturbance to the flow."

"Tell me more about the two of you."

"We tend to do just about everything together, although we don't get out much. Jules is like my constant companion, really."

"That also sounds very positive." Doctor Albany adjusted her skirt. "What are some of the challenges you were indicating earlier?"

Brett took a moment to compose himself. "This is hard to do with Jules sitting there but I will be as honest as possible. Jules has appeared somewhat unstable of late. Imbalanced, that sort of thing."

"Are you saying she is depressed?"

"She definitely comes across that way now. And in her older age she is starting to sag a bit in places in which used to be firm to the touch. Like I said, this is somewhat uncomfortable."

"Everything that is said here, Brett, is said in a sacred place. Confidentiality is the most critical rule. Please go on."

Brett considers his next thought. "In the beginning, and what I mean is the first few years of our relationship, our communication was in-depth, intriguing, fulfilling. Over the course of time, it's like we don't even talk anymore. Or, it's like I'm the only one communicating. I guess I'm tired of being the only one who truly communicates."

"That does sound hard." Doctor Albany crosses her legs. "What are some other issues?"

"Our sex life, as I said, has been terrific. However, over the past few years I have noticed some wear and tear down below, and it's not as tight and pleasurable as it once was." Brett is physically pointing at the crotch of Jules.

Doctor Albany clears her throat. "Well, Brett, over the course of time this area of anatomy is sure to be impacted by time as well as other factors. Wouldn't you agree?"

"I see your point, Doctor. And still, I yearn for those early years when my pleasure was at a premium. And we seemed so good together."

"As relationships move forward, over years of time, they do change, Brett. There are new interests, personal evolution, that sort of thing. Basically, nothing will stay the same forever."

Brett considers these words of wisdom. "I know you are right, Doctor. And still, I can't get past the day I met Jules online, and when I brought her home, it was life changing. It's hard to understand and accept that those days may be gone, never to return."

Doctor Albany takes another sip of tea. "We are almost out of time for today. We'll need to move on to Jules next time. Will that be, okay?"

Speaking for the both of them, Brett agrees. "Just one more thing Doctor, before we go."

"Yes, Brett?"

"If you could offer us one piece of homework until our next session? Something that we can work on to move in a more productive direction?"

Doctor Albany looks into Brett's eyes. "I recommend that you remember what brought you together in the first place. Think about the attraction you had for Jules in the beginning. Concentrate on what is going well, like the sex, for instance. Continue to spend time together, watching movies, taking drives. Recreate the magic, Brett."

Brett is teary. "Thank you so much. Those recommendations to come and see you were spot on. We couldn't be more pleased."

"Before I walk you both out, I feel it's important to provide one more nugget, for the benefit of your relationship with Jules."

"What is it, Doctor?"

"Jules is a model X1700 from 1998, if I'm not mistaken. These were very basic models back then, and although they were produced with a fine grade of vinyl, and three lifelike orifices, they are known to eventually wear thin, lose air, and stretch in all of the wrong places. Something to consider Brett."

Brett stands up and guides Jules to the door. "I appreciate that, Doctor. I didn't have a lot of funds back then, and Jules came from a clearing house. Maybe I am being a bit too hard on Jules. At the end of day, she's all I have got."

"That's a key point of awareness, Brett. Something to start off our next session in two weeks. All the best to you both."

-The end