Prologue
Good morning, Lila. What brings you in?
Someone close to me asked me to see a therapist.
I see. And you are aware that I am a Sex Therapist?
Yes, but I looked you up. You have a degree in psychology. Your PhD research was in trauma.
I never finished my degree.
My point is only that you are qualified. Also, I did pick you because you are a sex therapist. So much of this is about sex.
So much of what?
Of why I’m here.
Why don’t you tell me a little more about that?
Alain asked me to seek therapy. He is my best friend, lover, romantic partner of many years. There’s a lot to unpack here, but it comes down to this- I think I’m ok. He thinks I’m not ok. I’m proud of who I’ve become and the choices I’ve made. He thinks I’ve made some kind of colossal mistake. We’re at an impasse. You are the compromise.
Me specifically? Or therapy in general?
You are the compromise within the compromise. He wanted me to seek therapy. I was willing to in theory, but as I said, so much of this is about sex. I need a therapist that can see through to the heart of everything without being - I don’t know - put off? sidetracked? derailed? - by the sex in the story. I can’t leave it out, you see. In many ways, the sex is the story.
And what is your end goal here? For me to agree with you? To say ‘yes, Lila, you are ok?’
Well, when you put it that way. But yes, essentially.
What if I tell you you’re not ok?
Then I guess we should talk about that. Isn’t that what therapy is?
It can be.
Can I tell you my story?
Please begin.
