Fantasy Therapy
I set up 'Fantasy Therapy,' because it seemed to me there was a need for it. After many years of working with, and alongside women, I like to think that I understand them just a little. I claim no more than, 'just a little,' but after years of listening to problems and offering solutions, I gained quite a reputation as a good listener. However, it's not enough to be a good listener, it's maintaining and respecting the confidentiality of the person who has confided in you that is equally important.
The basic premise of "Fantasy Therapy," is that I give women the time to talk about their innermost fantasies and needs. The sort of role that once upon a time was played by the family doctor, priest, or wise older relative, but has now fallen into disuse. On the face of it, a simple thing, but nothing involved with the human mind is ever quite as simple as that. After much studying, reading, and just plain experience of life, I have come to some basic conclusions.
a) Women often sublimate their own needs and desires to that of their husbands, partners, or children.
b) While these feelings can be suppressed, sometimes for years, it can eventually lead to great unhappiness and frustration, which can manifest itself in various psychosomatic medical conditions.
c) Often the women are not even aware of some of the things they are suppressing, but listening and observation on the part of the therapist can often draw these out.
After much thought and deliberation, I concluded that something needed to be done, and set up, "Fantasy Therapy." For a modest fee, I would listen to, discuss at length and try to draw some conclusion with the subject. I do not refer to them as patients since I have no formal medical training, only experience of life. These are some of my cases.
Louise: Age 38 years old, about 5'5", short dark hair, slim to medium build, and very attractive. She goes to the gym on average three times a week. Has a good middle management job, two children, and is divorced.
Louise contacted me after hearing about my service from a friend. On her first consultation she was full of curiosity and asked lots of questions before settling down to discuss her problems.
'Hi, I'd like to know how this thing works and how you can help me?'
'It's quite simple really,' I said as I explained the idea to her. 'Some women have a very strong fantasy life, but many suppress their fantasies due to family, or relationships, etc.
However, these fantasies don't go away, even though it may seem like you have them under control. That can lead to all sorts of psychological problems, resentments, and sheer frustration.'
'Yes, I know exactly what you mean, please carry on.'
'What I provide is a release, a safety valve, which allows you to voice your fantasies out loud. A chance to admit them to yourself, and discuss them with another person who will not make judgements about you based on what you say.
My previous clients have found it far easier to talk things over with a stranger, rather than a friend, or relative. They don't have to see me again if they don't want to, or if they require follow-up sessions, they can be confident that anything they say to me is covered by my written confidentiality guarantee.'
'So, I just sit here and tell you my fantasies? Then what happens?' she asked.
'We go over them again, and discuss them as fully as possible. I try to draw as many details from you as I can to build up a clear, concise picture of your fantasy. Then, together, we try to see a way forward for you, whether you wish to continue as you are, or follow your fantasy to its logical conclusion.
'What if my fantasy is so strange that you're shocked and disgusted? How would you deal with that?'
'I've never heard anything that has made me react in that way. I'm pretty much shockproof, so please don't hold back on that score. Just tell me what your story is, and make it the truth. I can usually tell if you're making something up for shock value.' I added.
'Mmmm... you realise this is a sexual fantasy I'm thinking of?' she stated, hardly able to meet my eyes. 'It's not a fantasy about winning the lottery, giving up work, and going to live in a tropical paradise.'
'Of course I do,' I said reassuringly. 'I've never heard a fantasy from a woman that wasn't of a sexual nature. That's why you keep it hidden and repressed, as if it's something to be ashamed of.'
'So, it's not just me?' she asked, sounding relieved.
'Definitely not. No, every single one has had a sexual theme. You are not alone, you're not strange in any way, and it's all perfectly normal.'
'What happens if I get turned on when I'm telling you? Do you ask me to leave, throw me out?
'No, no, no!' I protested. 'I'd like to think I'm a bit more understanding than that. I would just encourage you to follow your own inclinations. After all, this is about allowing you to freely discuss your fantasies without inhibitions. Being sexually aroused is very common, and leads to other fantasies and hidden thoughts being revealed. Now, believe it or not, that's beneficial to you.
'OK, that seems clear enough. One more thing, what happens if
you
get turned on by my story?' she said, openly curious. 'After all, I'm a woman, you're a man and we're going to be discussing my sexual fantasies. It must affect you in some way.'
'Yes, I know what you mean. Funnily enough, you're not the first woman who's asked me that. If you promise not to tell,' I looked around in mock conspiratorial fashion, 'the truth is, every single woman who tells me her story turns me on.' I replied, trying to be as honest as possible. 'After all, I'm only human, but I have a very high self-control level, just like some people have a high pain threshold, so you're in no danger from me.'
'Mmm... that's interesting,' she said slowly, 'considering what I'm going to tell you. So, how do we begin?'
'You just tell me what's on your mind. Is that chair comfortable enough, or would you prefer to lie down on the couch?' I offered, and she looked round at the couch.
'I think the couch would be best - more relaxing,' came her reply, after a moment or two of thought.
'OK, just take off your shoes, and make yourself comfortable. Close your eyes if it helps you to visualise the fantasy,' I suggested. Louise got on the couch, the skirt riding up and showing a fair bit of her bare sun-tanned legs. Very nice legs I have to say. She closed her eyes, obviously thinking for a moment before speaking.