When Emma came home from school Ethan wasn't home, he was at his friend's house. It gave us a little bit of time to be alone, and talk. I was giddy because I had just found out how the audit went, so I was able to take my good mood and tell her in a good way that I had made her an appointment. I told her that she had been through a lot in 7th grade, and she just needed someone to talk to.
The kids went to therapy several times when Sam and I were getting divorced. I wish they could have stuck with it and gone more often, but honestly, I couldn't afford it. When I think about it now I can't believe Sam didn't split that cost with me, or offer to cover it. I believe he said that he couldn't afford it either. How sad that we didn't make their mental health a priority at the time. Funny thing is this new therapist takes insurance. Who knew that even was an option!
She was pleased to hear about the appointment. She asked a few questions, and was glad to hear that I had made it. I don't think she expected it, but she was happy that I cared and I think she would like the help. She asked if I had told daddy. I told her I had. She seemed OK with that too. But when Sam came over the last day of school to help Ethan get ready for Wacky day he made her uncomfortable by telling her how pretty she was and how much he loved her. Though Sam was trying to be sweet and warm to his daughter, she just wanted to be treated normally.
The appointment was for an hour. The first half of an hour the therapist wanted to talk to me, then meet Emma and go from there. I knew I had to give this therapist a run down in less than 30 minutes. I made the appointment Tuesday afternoon, and her appointment was for Friday morning, the first day of summer. It kept running through my head...what should I tell this therapist? In 30 minutes how do you give a run down of what has screwed up your 13 year old's life? Where do I start? Do I focus on her fucked up family life, or do I go through the school issues? Her grandpa? How do I portray a picture of what this therapist needs to know and focus on in order to help Emma? I know it is not an exact science, and no one knows Emma like I do, so it is my job to steer this woman in the right direction so she can help Emma the best.
The office wasn't fancy...and neither was she...or her nerdy, kinda creepy husband that works with her. But she was OK. I gave a run down. She wrote it down. She made a few comments. A couple of them stung. She met with Emma. She took just a co-pay. Hope insurance covers the rest. She says Emma needs another activity. Something to focus on. She suggested swimming to Emma. Emma seems to like that idea. We'll see where it goes. Of course I think...how can I commit to driving her to and from all practices? Who is going to pay? I am sure she will quit quickly. I don't want her out in the sun. Maybe all problems do come from the mom, like Freud said.
No comments:
Post a Comment