“The writing class dug out my neuroses in 30 minutes,” Susie claimed.
Her therapist nodded, eyebrows raised.
“I mean, I’ve been seeing you for five months and all you say to me is ‘how does that make you feel?’” Susie continued, pushing her bangs away from her eyes. “Yet in the class I attended on a whim, I discovered things I never knew about myself!”
The therapist straightened in her high-backed chair. “Well, Susie,” Dr. Walters began, “how does that make you feel?”
Susie stood up in the well-appointed room, walls covered with bookcases filled with important looking tomes entitled The Petulant Client in the ‘Me-First’ Age and How to Fertilize the Mind of a Reluctant Learner.
Mumbling to herself, Susie faced Dr. Walters. “To be honest, it makes me feel as if you’re wasting my money.” Susie noticed that Dr. Walters blushed. Feeling powerful for once in her life, Susie asked her therapist, “How does that make you feel, Dr. Walters?”
The middle-aged woman, dressed in a gray business suit festooned with a silk burgundy blouse, steepled her fingers together. “I’m feeling that you have made a breakthrough!” Dr. Walters pushed her chair closer in to her imposing desk and began to write on a medical pad.
“What are you doing?” Susie asked, surprise and worry in her voice.
“I’m writing you a prescription,” the doctor replied as cool as a cucumber salted with success.
“I thought you don’t believe in meds,” Susie protested.
Dr. Walters ripped the sheet off the pad and handed it to her patient. “I don’t.”
“Sooooo?” Susie questioned, confused. Then she read the prescription. “A six-week session of creative writing? Are you kidding me?”
Dr. Nina Walters smiled knowingly and added, “You discovered a secret most of us therapists don’t share. Now, go and write your stories.”
Wow! You hit the nail on the head here. Love it. Writing, the best therapy!!
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I wish more people realized how they could solve many of their problems by just writing a story or two every day. 😉
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One of your best!
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Thanks Nancy!
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Excellent
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Glad you enjoyed my therapist-writer story. May we keep sane by writing every day! 🙃
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Well done–and probably very true for some people. I’m predicting Susie’s going to have a bunch of best-selling novels. 😀
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Good point, Merrill. I wish at least four bestsellers for Susie. And one of her popular characters might be named “Dr. Walters.” 😉
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😀
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Terrific, Pam! 😀 What a wise therapist and hooray for Susie and her breakthrough! I’m imagining those six weeks will transform her life. Writing is an incredible release of one’s creative, emotional and mental self – leading to new challenges / life!
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Don’t we know it, Annika! And of course we also know that Susie will take many more than just one 6-week creative writing session. 😚
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So true, Pam! I’ve been reading from many bloggers that Covid has stifled their creativity. It’s been the opposite for me. Writing has and will always be my greatest escape.
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I’m right there with you, Jill. Since March my writing word count has doubled from normal!! 👏👍
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Fabulous read Pam thank you. Written with such style and entertainment. Wise therapist Dr. Walters – go now and write your stories – sharp Suzy too for using her voice in the therapy session – breakthrough indeed! (ps. Do you like to be called Pam or Pamela? It’s a serious question ..)
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I love to be called Pam or Pamela. And my favorite name is “Author Pamela S Wight ” Just kidding. But I have taught creative writing classes for more than 20 years and ongoing students have told me they dropped their therapist as soon as they began to write down the stories of their life. 🤓
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How does this make me feel? Like all therapists need to encourage this strategy from day #1! Works for me!!
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Writing down stories works for so many of us, Jeanne! XO
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I’d say that’s excellent advice!
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above comment was from me – forgot to log in
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Glad you like my advice, Sue. I am so excited to talk about the fun in writing when I meet your book group next month! ❤️
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So enjoyed this short story ~ crisp and humorous and with a good ending. Yes to writing as therapy, I’d add painting and many other creative outlets to the list. When things flow and we manage to float into a zen mode … that seems to be where the magic happens.
Peta
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That’s an interesting perspective, Peta. Since I have not learned to let my feelings out with another art form, I hadn’t considered that drawing or painting or sculpting can also help a person figure out a lot about herself. 💙
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Way, way cool, Pam! I’m glad I put my neuroses into memoir writing and certainly got more bang for my buck. The investment I made equated to years with a therapist and has paid dividends: I have a BOOK! Though it’s not a best-seller and won’t make me rich, I have found a path toward forgiveness and helped others to heal in the process.
Such great advice therein. I wonder if you’re still teaching creative writing classes, perhaps via ZOOM. By the way I googled How to Fertilize the Mind of a Reluctant Learner and came up with Dirty Dancing.
Ha! Love your creativity, Pam. You started my Friday morning off with a chuckle – thank you! 🙂
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Three cheers to you Marian. Yes, writing a memoir is one of the top ways to get rid of a therapist! And I agree that those who write a memoir do a great service not just to themselves but also to the readers who connect their own reality with the author’s, and they figure out what was once confusing or hidden in their memory and psyche.
I’m laughing at you Googling the title that I made up in that writing instant. Dirty dancing indeed! 🤣
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Sterling advice for many of us, Pam!
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And we writers know just stellar that advice is, don’t we Jennifer? 🙂
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Yes, though knowing and following are two different things. 😅
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🙂
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Perfectly clear ! Love it! And you too!
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WRITE ON, Jeanette! 🙂 xo
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Wow what a fantastic read Pam. Lovely and what a beautiful imagination you have. Too good.
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I admit, I did “make up” this conversation between therapist and client, but truly, it’s the truth! 🙂
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Yes but it was awesome Pam😊😊😊
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🙂 THANK YOU.
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Welcome 😊🤗🤗
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A wise therapist indeed! Writing can be cathartic and force us to examine why we think the way we do. These days those prescriptions should likely be handed out more frequently.
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In all honesty, Sue, I think if EVERY one wrote in their journal every day (or even better, just wrote a daily “made-up” story for fun, we’d have a much less “crazy” world. ❤
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This is a fun short story Pam! I’m glad Suzie, and so many of us find insights and great value in writing. For me it’s a way to clarify and sort out my thoughts and feelings with the added bonus of our great community. Have a wonderful week!
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Yes, Brad, we share our “innards” with our words in this blogging community, and by doing so, we clear out our cobwebs and I think help others do the same!
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Wonderful story–and I totally agree!
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Three cheers to writing therapy! 🙂
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LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT! ❤
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YAY, Bette. I knew you’d agree with this clever client…and therapist. Write On!
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YES! Writing can be sooo therapeutic. A person can find answers to things they didn’t even know were questions. When there’s inner sides that disagree you can find yourself in the vicinity of working it out just by writing, writing, writing. Love this, you writer/teacher/solver/storyteller!
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I think that’s part of the magic, Kathy. When we write a story in which we have no idea where we’re going with it, our “inner side” leads us on a magical journey to answers… and perceptions magnified. ❤
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There’s nothing like writing to draw out our inside world. Now, if we writers could only get paid as regularly and as lucratively as therapists.
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Haha. Ain’t that the truth? And the other truth is how much we also learn by reading other writers’ perceptions. It’s a win/win world of writing/reading/writing. Perhaps there’s no money in it because the “powers that be” like a “messed up mixed up” populace. ;-0 Well, those of us who write and read know better.
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Writing is clearly the best medicine. I enjoyed your short story. Keep writing and posting them.
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Thanks for stopping by here, Leslie. Writing is essential for those of us who want to be clear about who we are. Another reason to introduce children to reading AND writing at an early age!
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You got the therapist perfectly. I’m glad she wrote the proper prescription Good one, Pamela.
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I wrote this in a totally fictional setting, but I’ve heard enough “stories” about therapist/client meetings that this rang true to me. Thanks, John!
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When i was in business I needed to talk to someone and went to a therapist for two years. When he said, “How does that make you feel?” for the hundredth time I told him ,”Like I’m waisting my money.” He agreed. Didn’t go back.
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Of course you didn’t go back, because by then you were WRITING your stories!!!! Case. in. point. 🙂
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There you go. Thanks, Pamela.
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This is just awesome, Pam. Phew! So true!
I’ve learned much from my characters. Every time I put them in a tough situation, in the back of my mind, I’m evaluating how I would respond. Sometimes they’ve forced me to step to the plate! Great flash piece. I loved it. ❤
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Thanks, Diana. It’s interesting how friends/family who “know” me have a difficult time reading my books, saying “but you’re not like this character at all!” Or “how could you write about someone like (Meredith) (Blake) (Parker) when that’s not how YOU are?” Those who aren’t writers don’t understand that the characters come to us with their stories and their flaws and their courage and even their neuroses to teach us about ourselves, and then of course the readers learn too.
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My brother said to me yesterday, “You have some strange stuff going on in your brain.” Lol. Ah, to be a writer, different from the average bear. Are you working on another Meredith story????
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Interesting, my brother says the same thing to me! I think I scare him sometimes… ;-0 Yes, I have a sequel in a sense to the Meredith story, although she’s not in it much. My wish is for me to get some of your writing energy (and that my muse might be a bit more aggressive like yours) so I could write more/faster on it….
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I’m really having to force myself, Pam. This virus has had a big impact on my ability to concentrate. It feels exhausting. I know it’s taken a toll on your family, so be gentle with yourself. ❤
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This made me smile! It is SO true:)
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And writers everywhere understand this truth!!!! 🙂
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I like the lovely prescription Pam. I know a few persons who don’t know the C of “creative writing”… I hope Susie is not one of them.
There was a time when joint families could provide good therapy and little moments of sadness were diffused by an aunt, a grandma or some wise member of the family, who helped youngsters understand ‘what is life.’
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Writing is “blah” without that “C” word, isn’t it Balroop? But I know that creativity scares many away from writing …. and from themselves. What a great point about how “back in the day” joint families helped each other with the pain and heartache of life.
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Nothing beats a good session of writing – it’s a feel good pick-me-upper. 🙂 Great post, Pam. ❤
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You said it so well, Carol. If we’re feeling down/confused/unhappy, just pick up a pen or start pounding the keyboard writing a story. It’s amazing how our problems dwindle as we focus on our “made-up” characters who in many ways are more “human” than the humans we come across. ;-0
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That was poweful and so spot on! I didn’t know where you were going with the story at first. But writing is cathartic. And writer’s use their own experiences in their stories. Great share today!
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Thank you! Sometimes I wonder where my fictional stories “come from,” when I haven’t experienced something myself (like this one – never been to a therapist). B U T, I believe that we hit a universal thread when we write, and the experiences of others melds into ours, and our stories beam out truth.
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I hear Dr. Melfi’s voice so clear there, though obviously she wouldn’t have prescribed that to Tony Soprano. 🙂 Great fun, I loved it. – Marty
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Haha. No, that would not have been the prescription for Tony. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rerM3wbdnYs
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Ah, my Warrior Princess, this is a ‘CLASSIC’! Love IT! 🙂
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But how does that make you feel? 🙂 🙂 Thanks, fellow Warrior.
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Great therapy!!
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The best! And a lot less expensive, too. 🙂
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Such an excellent story!!! I think it might be my favorite yet…so good!
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A wonderful compliment from a wonderful writer. Thank you, Linda.
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Good one, Pam. In June when I went to see mine for our monthly giggle fest, I was in a bad place and mentioned I had stopped writing my blog. She insisted I go home and put one together that day. I did and it uncorked the dam. Now I’m writing in a side notebook while I journal at night or do my morning pages. I have a very GOOD therapist. She’s a real human and I can always make her laugh out loud and big. Makes me feel quite happy to do that. You hit the target with this one. Writing is excellent therapy.
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I’ve read your comment over and over because it makes me feel so good, Marlene. First, a “giggle-fest” with a therapist. How fabulous is that? You both are lucky women. Second, that your therapist is astute enough, and self-confident enough, to encourage you to W R I T E. And I love that going back to your writing “uncorded the dam.” Never stop writing your blog. Not only is it good for you, it’s good for us who read it!
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Thanks so much for your kind words, Pam. She is the best I’ve found and it’s the best $10 a month I spend. Medicare takes care of the rest of the Dr’s fee. I’m happiest when I make her laugh out loud enough for the whole building to hear. Of course there is no one in there these days. Just us 6 ft. apart. We get the job done though. 🙂 She actually checked online while I was there to make sure the book store was open and sent me right away to go visit the books. I was lonely for them. 🙂 It was almost empty but I had a nice visit with my favorite friends. Books. 😉 Stay well and happy.
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She’s a treasure. And so are you!
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Haha! Only a six-week course? For some, it is a neverending therapy. Well played, Pam!
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Pete – I’ve been writing (and teaching) creative writing for almost three decades (!!). Believe me, this never-ending therapy is the best “medicine” out there. 🙂
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This is my new favorite story of yours!
“How do I know what I think until I see what I say?”
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Thanks Nancy. I don’t know what to say until I write what I think! 🙂
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Awesome! Love it!
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WRITE ON! ❤
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Yes!❤😉
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i liked that!!! 🙂
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Thank you Mary, Keep on writing!! xo
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I was still asleep––sorry about the little ‘ I ‘ …. :-))
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A well-guarded secret indeed, hopefully she will have lots of good stories to tell and feel so much lighter when she’s done 🙂
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I think both you and I know how therapeutic it is to write down our feelings, Andrea! ❤
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I loved this Pam, simple and write to the point…I will write my stories also. I’m actually working on it now but have yet to put pen to paper very often. This might just be the kick in the ass that I needed. Thanks so much and enjoy your week…xo
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I’m hoping my “Secret” gave you the impetus to write your latest blog post, Cheryl, which is fabulous. I’ve just read your reviews and recommendations. Magnificent! Keep writing and reading!!
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Thanks for stopping by the blog Pam…and yes, we have similar tastes in books. We have a lot of likes along many lines. I love my blog but I was sorry after finishing it that there is no way for me to let people know that I respond to their comments…I do. I’m too lazy to start a new blog now…have a great weekend coming up…xo
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Love it!! That must be why I don’t need (and never saw) a therapist! Thanks for explaining that to me, Pam. 🙂
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Haha. That could be the reason, Liesbet. Never stop writing!! ❤
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Absolutely brilliant, Pam. And so true!
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Sooooo true. I’ve been writing for more than half my life, and I’m sane and level-headed because of it. 🙂 Just kidding. But I definitely believe that my daily writing has helped me make sense of my world, myself, and the people around me. ❤
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Wonderful story and awesome message, Pam! Everyone should write for therapy. Write on! 🥰
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There would surely be less people “dazed and confused” if they just wrote down their stories! 🙂 xo
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Gorgeous header, too! 🌻💗
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Thanks – the header is a photo of the tiger lilies blooming in our neighborhood. ❤
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I like Susie’s spunk and I have a feeling her therapy will turn her into a creative writer!
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I have the same feeling, Anna Marie! (wink wink) 🙂
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I really loved this, Pam. Now, can Dr Walters give me some advice about how to survive the boredom of my final round of editing. I’m so over commas and new paragraphs.
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Ugh, I’m with you, Robbie. Maybe you need a creative writing teacher more than a therapist on the comma/paragraph nightmare. 🙂 That said, can’t wait to find out what book you’re next working on.
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Thank you, Pam. Maybe all writers need therapists [wink]. I failed to realise upfront that double the words (115 000 this time as opposed to 72 000 for Through the Nethergate) would take more than double the time and effort to edit. That being said, I am very pleased with this book.
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Double the trouble, but it will be worth it!!
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Wonderfully true. Even a good rant on paper is worth the cost of a therapist session.
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I like the way you think. Hmmm, better go, I feel a rant coming on….. 🙂
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A beautiful story Pam. And yes, writing is a savior for many of us. ❤ Great prescription!
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I use up a “scrip” every day. 🙂
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One of the best 🌞
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Thank you!
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Great story with a perfect message. Writing is talk therapy without bothering to talk to anyone– or pay them money to do so.
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Your comment makes me wonder why I’ve never called my creative writing classes “The WRITE Therapy.” Well, plenty of my students would never have signed up. Didn’t think they needed therapy. But oh wow, have they benefited from writing out their hearts!
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Hi Pam, The hair rose on my arms. “I discovered things I never knew about myself!” And, then a smile. “How does that make you feel?”
My entire body is now tingling. You hit it right on, Pam. Especially, when we have to find it out for ourselves. You are speaking (writing) to the choir.😀 Thank you for a great post! ❤️
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MANY thanks for your hair-rising comment. 🙂 Any writer knows the truth of this – that in our writing, we discover so much about ourselves, and by doing so, about others also. Here’s to “singing” out (a pun to “writing to the choir”) our truths, with the pen. xo
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Huge smile! Thank you! 😀
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Hi Pam, I have a problem: When I’m given a topic, its hard for me to write, but when I have nothing to do, its when my creative juices flow. Please give some advice on how to write when I’m supposed to…
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What a great question. And, you have a wonderful blog – I just followed you. I’m so impressed with how far you are, already, in your writing. I have found, and this is what I teach my creative writing students, that sitting down to write because we “have to,” is a great way to get writer’s block. But in my classes, I do give out a prompt and everyone “must” write right away. The secret? DON’T THINK. If we sit down to write “a great story” or “something profound,” most likely nothing will come. But if we start with a prompt – something easy even like “I remember” without thinking about WHAT we’re going to write about, the words will flow. Try it!
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I am flattered, I really appreciate your support. That is an amazing advice, makes so much sense. Thank you very much, I’m very grateful.
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❤
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A lot of therapists do prescribe writing. It’s so much healthier than any med I know!
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A “safe and effective” prescription. ❤
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“Write” Therapy indeed! Creative writing helps loosen up all of those thoughts stuck in your brain!
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Sure does – and in surprising ways!
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Writing is cheaper than therapy!
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I love this. Interesting conversation and much like a therapist, it gave me a lot to think about!
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And hopefully, this writing secret post also inspires you to… write! 😊
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I agree! I found that just writing (doesn’t have to be stories) has been one of the greatest therapists around.
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Keep on writing! 😍
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A FABULOUS truth!
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❤
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I’m not writing these days… I need to start again. But it feels like crying. If I start, will I be able to stop? Do I need to stop? Do I need to start? ugh…
Love your posts. They are an inspiration! Thank you for that.
Stay safe my lovely friend. We need more of your words. 😚💕
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“Will I be able to stop (crying)?” “Do I need to stop?” “Do I need to start?” Hi Kim. As your blogging friend, I suggest that YES, you do need to start writing. Even if your notebook pages are wet with your tears, they will soon dry out as your words pour forth, and I promise you – you’ll feel better. ❤
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I wrote some this morning… my story is maudlin. But it is how I feel today. It’s not a good day. 😦
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Maudlin can help. Why do you think there are so many horror novelists? :-0 Take care, Kim. xo
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https://bibablog.poetry.blog/2020/09/25/mood-poetry-poem-write-mood/
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Currently trying to write a memoir…. not easy to face certain memories. Writing is the toughest therapy of all!
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Thank you Kathy-that is a really thoughtful remark. Yes, writing is good therapy but that does not mean it’s pain-free. 💜
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I’ve never taken a creative writing class before, though I’ve written a few short stories. I enjoyed reading this.
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Thank you! If you have a chance try out a creative writing class. You would be amazed at what you learn about yourself and about the world.
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There’s one at the college I work at that I would like to take sometime, once everything is back to normal. I think it should be required for all students.
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I absolutely agree with you on that. Creative writing should start at first grade and move up to graduate school!
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Yes. I think a well rounded education gives people a broad perspective on the world. Sometimes we don’t know what we don’t know.
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I wish I could get that prescription!
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The recipe is worth millions. 🙂
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I love it!
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Thanks so much for reading my secret – you can share it! Fun to visit you over at your blog as well.
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a simple thing to do, and this secret most of us therapists don’t share is very useful. Thank you!
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I’d guess it’s just the GOOD therapists who use this secret! 🙂
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