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Mr. Bows:
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Hello.
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Dr. Balis:
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Hello. May I speak to Ms. Bows, please.
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Mr. Bows:
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Who's calling please?
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Dr. Balis:
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This is Dr. Balis.
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Mr. Bows:
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Oh, hi. I'm Tom. I'll get Sylvia.
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Ms. Bows:
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Hello.
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Dr. Balis:
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Sylvia?
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Ms. Bows:
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Doctor. Thank you for calling me back. Can you hold on
a second. I would like to go to another room.
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Dr. Balis:
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No problem.
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Ms. Bows:
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[Pause] Thank you. I don't want Tom to...it's just none
of his business. Another guy would just move out. But not Tom. He has
to show everyone how much he loves me and takes care of me. I think he honestly
thinks that he got the vasectomy for my own benefit. And what is absolutely
extraordinary is that he's got some of our friends believing that too.
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Dr. Balis:
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So, how did your day go? Do you feel any different? Better?
Worse?
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Ms. Bows:
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Of course Doctor. I am sorry. I think I feel...feel
more in control, maybe? More even. Not so many ups and downs through the
day. Separated from my emotions somewhat.
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Dr. Balis:
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Less anxious? A little appetite returning?
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Ms. Bows:
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Yes. I did actually have some food today. Some one
brought a pizza in the afternoon and I had almost an entire slice. In
the last two week I lost 15 pounds.
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Dr. Balis:
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Weight loss is a common response to high stress. This
medication, as you observed, brings a feeling of calmness and control and
should also stabilize your appetite. But keep checking your weight. I would
like to know if you lose too much more. Did you notice anything else?
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Ms. Bows:
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The feeling of calmness and of being slightly removed from
everything and everyone seems to be the biggest change.
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Dr. Balis:
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And how does that make you feel?
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Ms. Bows:
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I'm not sure yet. I thought I was supposed to get in touch
with my emotions, my feelings. This seems to have a reverse effect.
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Dr. Balis:
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It should also provide you with the opportunity of examining
your feelings without being too wrapped up in the moment. Allow you to have
a different perspective. And also some rest. Please keep-up your observations.
Maybe even start a log: how you're feeling. Write down if you have
an anxiety attack. Write down your dreams. Keep track of your weight or
anything else that strikes you as being important. We will discuss all of
this during our sessions.
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Ms. Bows:
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I never thought I would be in this situation. I feel
like a scientist and a lab rat all at once.
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Dr. Balis:
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I will see you Thursday at noon.
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Ms. Bows:
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Very good, Doctor. Have a nice night.
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Dr. Balis:
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You too. Goodbye.
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###
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Doctor Balis' Notes on this Conversation
Transcripts of Sylvia Bows' Therapy Sessions
