Gina Nicewonger
GRANT, late 20s or 30s
GRANT wears his heart on his sleeve and thinks every girl is “the one.” However, he’s never had a real relationship for longer than a year. He’s broken it off with many girls. GRANT thought therapy might help in his search for love, so he started seeing Dr. Jill Mitchell over a year ago. He thinks his therapist is good at her job, but like all his romantic relationships, he believes he and the therapist are missing the “magic” needed to be effective. GRANT wants to follow Dr. Mitchell’s advice of “trying something different” and has come to her office to tell her in the only way he knows how he won’t be returning to therapy.
GRANT Listen, we need to talk. I know we always talk, but we need to really talk. Don’t you hate those words? They’re almost as bad as, “It’s not you. It’s me.” But in this case, it’s not you. It’s totally me.
[She speaks.]
I guess I can’t hide anything from you. I’m awfully sorry, but yeah, I’m breaking it off with you.
[Moved.] This is what makes it so hard. You know me so well. And you get me.
[She speaks.]
I know I didn’t have to come down here to tell you that we can’t be together anymore. I know. But come on. We’ve been seeing each other for four years. I’m a better guy than that.
[She speaks.]
[Smiling.] No, no, no. I DO understand that you’re my therapist and that our relationship is “strictly professional.” But, Dr. Mitchell, I don’t know if you understand how much you’ve helped me get through some really tough times.
[Laughs.] God. We’ve had some good times, haven’t we?
[She speaks.]
Jill, I’ve got to stop you right there. Is it okay if I call you Jill?
[She speaks.]
Stick with Dr. Mitchell? Fine. Dr. Mitchell, do you know I’ve been seeing you longer than I’ve seen any other woman? You’re so encouraging, but at the same time you see through all of my bullshit. And the best part thing: you always laugh at my jokes. God, I’m going to miss your laugh.
[She speaks.]
I’m sorry. I must be coming off as a crazy person. And, I’m trying to tell you that you’re so good at your job. I’d hate for you to think I’m just now becoming crazy!
[She laughs.]
There’s that laugh. You’re an amazing person. But, sometimes you just got a branch out and try something different. Someone very wise once told me that.
[Getting emotional.] God Brian, don’t get choked up now. Change is hard. I think I told you that one. But hey, we’re both going to be okay.
[She speaks.]
Oh, you better. I’m going to treasure the invoice for this session for a long, long time. Please. Think of me fondly.