Kathryn sits on the red leather chair farthest from O’Reilly, who fumbles through the mess on her desk, trying to locate the folder on the group. It’s already three-thirty. O’Reilly was half an hour late, and right now Kathryn would like nothing more than for this appointment to be over. If O’Reilly spends another few minutes searching her desk, all the better.
Finally, she sits back without the folder. Kathryn smiles politely.
“So how was it?” O’Reilly rubs her hands as if she’s expecting some juicy gossip.
“Fine,” Kathryn says. “They began to open up and tell their stories.”
“That sounds rather flat. Was there more emotion than you’re relaying?” O’Reilly asks.
“Yes, there were some emotional moments, but we only have about fifteen minutes so I thought it would be better to just stick to the facts.”
“I can be a little late for my next appointment. Don’t worry about time. I’m all ears.”
“Gail didn’t like the choice of some of Bridget’s language.” Kathryn chooses her words carefully.
“I’m not surprised those two would be at odds. I would have never recommended them being together.” O’Reilly gives her hair a quick fluff.
Kathryn swallows. “Well, they may not be together much longer.”
“And why is that?”
“I think Gail had a different sort of group in mind. Something more like S-Anon. I know she said she would like a private group, but I don’t think she really wants feedback. I was worried about that during her interview.” Gail was your choice, she thinks.
“My, my. A few moments ago you told me everything was fine. I would hardly call this fine, having a member wanting to drop out on week one.” Her small brown eyes open wider. “Can you describe exactly what happened?”
“I think Bridget is frightened. I believe her fear came out as anger and was directed toward Gail.”
O’Reilly nods as if she agrees, which might be a first.
“Did you get Bridget to acknowledge that her anger was based in fear and being projected?” O’Reilly asks.
“I tried. But I don’t think she was ready to see that, and Gail said she was looking for a group that wasn’t so contentious.”
“An opening group certainly shouldn’t be contentious. It’s the time to go over ground rules and make sure everyone feels safe. Naturally that’s what you did?”
“Of course.” Kathryn takes her notebook from her bag and flips through it, stopping when she sees the summaries she wrote just an hour ago.
Gail: Needs control. Is her life more out of control than she wants to admit?
Flavia: Brave. Beautiful. Seems like a risk-taker.
Bridget: Young, raw. In shock.
Lizzy: Uses her husband’s desire for her as a barometer of her own self-worth.
Hannah: A good listener. But holding back.
“I’d rather you not turn to your notes at the moment. I think it would be best if you just answer my questions. Did you explain that the group wasn’t a place to judge others?” O’Reilly asks.
“I did. But I think Bridget felt judged by Gail, and that’s what sparked her anger.”
O’Reilly rubs her chin. “You know, after Bridget’s interview I said I thought she was volatile. I doubt I would have recommended her.”
“I chose her because she seemed to be in a lot of pain, and she doesn’t have a therapist or anyone to really talk to about all this.”
O’Reilly takes a deep breath. “Perhaps it would have been better to have told Bridget that individual therapy is generally suggested before diving into a group. Of course it’s too late now. But it might be worth considering if a situation such as this arises in the future. And”—she wags a finger—“if Bridget is the reason Gail leaves, it’s likely she’ll pin her anger on another member.”
“She seemed to get along with the others.”
“Yes, because she had Gail. But really, you must understand without Gail, she will find someone else to target. Perhaps I should call Gail and speak with her,” O’Reilly suggests.
“I think we should wait and see if she returns.” Kathryn looks at the clock on the desk. It’s already five past four. This session needs to end.
“No, I think a check-in call would be good. I don’t see what harm it could do, and Gail did have confidence in me. Perhaps I could reassure her.”
Kathryn pushes aside her bangs. “I know she likes you and has faith in you, but I’d like to see if I can build a relationship with her on my own. So, if you wouldn’t mind…”
O’Reilly nods enthusiastically. “Yes, I see your point. Why don’t we see what happens next week then, give you more time to form a bond.”
“Thank you,” Kathryn says.
“But if Gail does come next Wednesday, it’s imperative that you provide a safe environment for every group member.”
For the moment, Kathryn feels relief that her supervisor won’t be calling Gail, who might report that Hannah was having doubts about returning as well.
“I’ll do that,” Kathryn says.
“If she is not there, I’d like you to call me first thing Thursday morning. Then I would need to contact her and see what’s going on.”
“All right.” She looks at the clock again, then stands. “I’m sorry, but I’m meeting someone in half an hour.” Just last week, she read an article about how lying to your supervisor is a form of denial. It’s probably true, and Kathryn promises herself she will think about her behavior, but at the moment, she only wants out.