I absolutely hate COVID-19!!! I know I am not alone. Life is full of challenges and I have had my fair share of grief, difficulties, challenges, drama, successes, victories, beautiful moments, along with loving and joyful times. I was just so stressed out with too much to do and too much going on, and this pandemic wasn't helping any! Deep down I knew that something wasn't right within me. COVID-19 lockdowns, restrictions, masking, social distancing, and barriers seem to have brought out the worst of my depression and anxiety, that I used to be able to keep at bay. My life has been totally disrupted and I couldn't stand how I was feeling. I know many are dealing with similar situations.
I knew I needed to talk to someone, to get professional help. I called the phone number to the Counseling Group practicing in my town. I set up an appointment, and went with an open mind. I kept telling myself, "I am not going to cry. I will be honest but I will hold back some to see how it goes before opening up completely."
Well, after seven minutes with Vicky, I was crying my eyes out, weeping like a baby! It actually felt like a cleansing. So much for holding it in, I couldn't stop sharing. I met with Vicky ten times thinking I may actually be getting better. It was at the end of this tenth session that she tells me that she is leaving that practice and moving out of state. I was shocked and truly felt betrayed for some reason! She had set me up with another counselor next week for the same day and time.
I go to my next appointment with Cassie, my new counselor. She asks a few questions, and BAM, tears fall like rain!
Cassie told me, "Jerry, you have way too many roles in life and each position or role you have adds stress, and right now you are overwhelmed."
I said, "Yeah, I know. But right now, there isn't much I can do. Too many folks rely on me. I can't let them down! I wear many hats in life. Each hat also contains a mask I have to wear. I am ready to unload many of these hats but, right now, I just can't."
Cassie said, "You remind me of a children's book, called 'Caps For Sale'. Do you remember that book where the man has this tall stack of hats or caps on top of his head. I think he was selling them. He took a nap under a tree and the monkeys took all of his hats. I bet you wish those monkeys could find you!"
I replied, "I remember that book. I had it. Could you point me in the direction of the monkeys?" We laughed thinking about it.
She stated, "Okay, there is something I want to talk to you about. Your former counselor Vicky diagnosed you with severe depression mixed with bouts of anxiety. Did she share with you her diagnosis of you?"
I was shocked! I questioningly stated, "SEVERE depression? No. She never told me her diagnosis of me. I don't want to be put on any more meds. I take enough already! Severe depression....okay....what can I do to fix it?"
She hesitantly said, "Well.....this is not something that is going to get fixed overnight. You did not get in this condition overnight. It will take time and patience. We will need to meet every week for an hour. Now, if you are willing....there is an experimental form of counseling therapy that has worked for some. I have been studying some controversial experimental counseling therapies that strip the individual of all of the stressers, removes all hats and masks, and eliminates everything that conceals the true center of the person. If you are interested, we can begin to meet for a weekend session of this experimental therapy. It is actually a very old practice that is beginning to make a comeback. Many have been able to overcome depression and also were able to eliminate anxiety altogether. Looking over the notes from your previous sessions with Vicky, I believe this will be a great tool for your healing. What do you think? Want to give it a try?"
I thoughtfully replied, "If you think it has a good chance to work, and improve my outlook on life, I am willing to give it a try. I am willing to try just about anything at this point. Now, I do have a few questions though: First, will you be staying here at this place? I do not want to go through changing counselors every couple of months."
She was nodding her head as she answered, "Yes, I plan on staying right here. I have no plans of moving my practice elsewhere, nor do I plan on a change of careers. I love what I do. I love it here."
I was relieved to hear her say that. A peaceful calm washed over me. I followed with, "So glad to hear you say that! Ok. Secondly, is the new experimental therapy covered by my insurance?"
She laughingly stated, "With it being experimental, no insurance is needed for it at the too good to be true price of free! However, I am using all who participate in this therapy as anonymous case studies for a doctoral thesis. So it is free-of-charge to you! How can you turn down free?!?!"
Being relieved I excitedly said, "Wow! That is awesome! I like cheap, I love free! Where do I sign up?"
We shared a laugh. I added, "Okay, so what is the catch? Is there a catch? Do I have to purchase anything or rent something, strum a harp, sell flowers, or shave my head?"
Cassie laughed which caused me to cautiously laugh. She snickered, "No, you don't have to sell flowers, play with a harp, or shave your head! Of course you can shave whatever you want. The only out-of-pocket expense to you would be the cost of the weekend stays in a campground, resort, or a retreat, as well as taking care of your personal transportation along with your own food and drinks. Sound good?"
With enthusiasm I said, "No, it doesn't sound good, it sounds great! Are you kidding me? That is the best news I have heard all week! So, what all is involved in this new FREE therapy you are offering me?"
She looked at me tilting her head looking as if she is trying to figure out how much to tell me. She asked me, "Well....do you remember everything you shared with Vicky?"
I thoughtfully replied, "Well, I remember most of it. I saw her ten times so....for the most part, yeah."
She said, "Tell you what, after reading Vicky's notes, I can assure you that you will not only enjoy it, but it will give you an outlet to be fully you. You are not in a hurry are you?"