The Henry Tapes

(Mrs. B): “Do you mind if I record our session today? This is just for my notes, no one but myself will be listening to this tape.”

(Henry): “… That’s fine.”

(Mrs. B): “Okay, great. I’m here with Henry Grass. The date is August 4th, 2XXX. How are you feeling today, Henry?”

(Henry): “I’m okay, kind of nervous.”

(Mrs. B): “What’s making you nervous?”

(Henry): “I’ve never done something like this before… I’m not good at talking about myself.”

(Mrs. B): “That’s okay. I’m new to you and you’re new to me. Let’s just get to know each other. We don’t have to have a breakthrough today.”

(Henry): “Okay.”

(Mrs. B): “What made you seek out therapy?”

(Henry): “I’ve been under a lot of stress…I remember my mom talking about how therapy helped her after she gave birth. I just thought I’d give it a try.”

(Mrs. B): “Well, I’m glad you took the chance to get a better understanding of yourself. It’s a big step and surely not an easy one. Do you and your mother have a good relationship?”

(Henry): “Um…no, we don’t talk.”

(Mrs. B): “Okay, do you mind sharing why, with me?”

(Henry): “I don’t know…if I’m being honest.”

(Mrs. B): “That’s okay. How about your father you mentioned him on your initial intake form. Do you have a relationship with him?”

(Henry): “Yes. We work together for an auto repair company.”

(Mrs. B): “Working with family can be nice. Do you enjoy working with him?”

(Henry): “Well, he’s the head mechanic and I work in the main building…I’m an assistant manager. I don’t see him much during work hours.”

(Mrs. B): “I see, so you work over him? Does that cause any strain? It can be a difficult dynamic to work with.”

(Henry): “Sometimes… it’s been better this past year since Leon brought on better mechanics. I don’t have to listen to the complaints as much now.”

(Mrs. B): “Is Leon your boss?”

(Henry): “Yes.”

(Mrs. B): “How long have you worked for the company?”

(Henry): “This is my third year.”

(Mrs. B): “Did your dad help you get the job? I’m sure you’re very smart but assistant manager at 21 is impressive for someone so young.”

(Henry): “I started as just reception when I was 18. My dad put in a good word for me with Leon. Thank you it’s strange for me as well.”

(Mrs. B): “Why is that?”

(Henry):” Oh…um. I didn’t have any experience and I had only graduated a couple months prior so I didn’t feel like I’d do a good job at first.

(Mrs. B): “I can understand why. Did you work during high school? Or is this your first job?”

(Henry): “This is my first job. I played football in high school so that took up a lot of my time.”

(Mrs. B): “So why do you think you’ve excelled at this job to put you in the position you are now?”

(Henry): “Oh…I am good with numbers, so managing the budget and reports isn’t too difficult for me. I also manage Leon’s work schedules so maybe that’s why… I’m not too sure.”

(Mrs. B): “Do you have a good relationship with your boss? I only ask because you speak of him informally.”

(Henry): “Yes, we have a good relationship. We-”

(Sudden pause, followed by momentary silence).

(Mrs. B): “If you don’t feel comfortable sharing it’s okay.”

(Henry): “No, it’s not that. I felt my phone vibrate, so you mind if I take this call outside?”

(Mrs. B): “Feel free…”

——

(Door opens and closes).

(Henry): “I’m sorry about that…”

(Mrs. B): “You’re fine. Are you okay? You seem a little distressed.”

(Henry): “No, um yes…I’m okay. I’m here on my lunch so I have to go back to the office soon. It’s a busy day, we’re having renovations done.”

(Mrs. B): “I see… how about we schedule our next session? Do you wanna try it on a day you don’t work?”

(Henry): “Oh! No…it’s better if I can do it on my lunch… The same time next week.”

(Mrs. B): “Okay, if that’s okay with you I just don’t want you feeling pressed for time.”

(Henry): “Yes, please… I’m not.”

(Mrs. B): “Okay then. I’ll see you next week at 1 pm. It was a pleasure meeting you Henry.”

‘Beep’ ‘Click’