1. I put my cardigan on.

I turn off the big light

and ignite the bulbs of three small lamps.

I nod at all the right times.

I carefully position each feature of my face.

I am a pillar of calm.

I let each wave wash over the room.

We don’t know what comes next

I say

but you don’t have to find out alone.

2. My therapist collects me

from the sterile waiting room.

Cross legged on her couch

I ramble about the stressors of my week.

It’s dramatic to complain

when the world has such real problems

We don’t know what comes next

she states with conviction

but you don’t have to find out alone.

3. Client reported increased anxiety, distress,

and emotional overwhelm over current national and global crises:

including political unrest and fears of global conflict.

They expressed feeling helpless and insignificant

for focusing on personal issues

while “the world is on fire.”

Client noted difficulty finding meaning

and direction when faced

with the magnitude of human suffering.

Client expressed internal conflict

between wanting to stay informed

and feeling emotionally flooded

by the constant exposure to distressing news.

Client appeared tearful at times

and spoke with a flat affect.

Client made self-critical statements including:

“I feel stupid even talking about this,”

“I’m complaining about my feelings during active genocide.”

“I’m acting like the world revolves around me.”

Therapist offered attuned connection,

validated client’s emotional experience,

and normalized this reaction

in the context of uncertainty.

Therapist encouraged the use of self-compassion

and offered psychoeducation on how chronic global stress

and collective trauma impacts nervous system regulation.

There is a plan to explore client’s values

and locus of control in future sessions

to support a sense of agency and meaning-making.

Continue to monitor emotional state

and build personal support network.

Client is thoughtful during therapeutic process,

and remains actively engaged in treatment.

Judgement, reality testing, and insight are appropriate.

Thought processes are logical, linear, and goal directed.

Thought content is normal.

The client does not show signs of altered perception,

or disproportionate preoccupation with concerns.

Client currently is at a low risk of harm to self.

Client has minimal risk of threat to others,

with no history of violence.

Client will return for scheduled follow-up visit

in one weeks time, or sooner as needed.