Thread: Mind games [GoodGirlGrace/Mr Quixotic]

She listened and watched as he told his story, describing in great detail the horrid image of a child suffering the cruelty of his parents. She did react but it was such a small cue, otherwise her stance seemed like an iron wall. Leah was clearly used to not letting her emotions show in these situations. You just had to listen and try to not let the horrors you faced emotionally involve you. You were a sturdy comfort to those in need and you had to remain consistent with your approach. That's what she'd learnt through her years of training. In books, at lectures, through conversations with mentors, colleagues and trainees. Having the strength to stay stone faced when someone broke down in front of you, that was the sign of a good Psychiatrist. She had found it hard at the beginning, despite being prepared for it and having all the warnings, the first case she had left her questioning if she was right for the job, if all those years training were a waste. It took her a while to work through it, but seeing it resolved, getting word back from her patient, she was reassured and took the experience as a lesson. She didn't look to impressed when he said about her job and just remained professional. I can assure you that I am the real deal, need I remind you that you came to me, clearly to me that says you want to talk, and yet you're getting defensive. I will sound short and rude when I say this, but we simply don't have the time to beat around the bush. I could tell with the way you spoke that you weren't in for what you claimed and I was right. I've been questioning you to gauge the severity of your case. It may not surprise you to hear I get people through here who simply don't need professional help but a bit of company, and that isn't what my job is. If you are here for a pow wow then I ask you please leave, but if you are affected by your issues, everyday, for weeks, months, even years. Unable to get certain urges or thoughts from your head even if you wish it yourself to change, that is what I am here for. Now from what I've gleaned I won't throw you out. I do think we have a case here, but I will need you to be straight with me Mr.Cross, if we are to get anywhere. She said with such a direct authority in her tone. She was professional to a T. She sat back and thought on his earlier question. As for what I would do in a situation like that.....I suppose if morality was out the window as it was in those cases I would still not kill the girl. She said, starting to lose her focus as she though aloud. No....I wouldn't waste such an interesting case study...... She said finally before looking to his face realising what she'd said. Hypothetically of course...all practitioners of Psychology are at least somewhat fascinated by experiments with less moral grounding...the way you say it sounds Like it could be a case of behaviourism and conditioning. Could you get someone to act like a dog willingly through reinforcement and reward...? I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought from time to time of the things I'd do with no rules in place. She said, her eyes back on his, shining with a kind of curious wonder as she spoke off topic like that. But at the end of the day that is all they are, simply thoughts, queries that get played out in the mind that are never touched on in reality.