Dear Emily

It sure was nice talking to you on the phone last night. You mentioned how you miss being close and being able to discuss things as they happen. I really miss that too. Do you remember when people’s only means of communication was by mail? It might have been slow and tedious but do you remember how wonderful it was to receive a hand written letter in the mail?

Letter writing is somewhat of a lost art in today’s busy world. How often do we find a hand written letter among the pile of bills, bank statements and sale flyers that fill our mail boxes? It’s sad when you think about it isn’t it? Speed and ease is what people look for now. Not to say I blame them. I do the same, but I can’t help but wonder about how we might have lost some of our essence with all our new fangled technology.

My course on Assessment of Psychological Disorders is going well. I didn’t think I would like it. I thought it would be dry but it’s turning out to be one of my favorites. Of course the instructor makes all the difference in the world. Doctor Libby Stowers is such a gentle soul and in her style of teaching she always manages to hold our interest and to keep us riveted to our seat until the very last minute of class.

Here’s a list of what we’re learning about: Schizophrenia and other Psychotic Disorders, Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Somatoform Disorders, Factitious Disorders, Dissociative Disorders, Sexual Disorders, Eating Disorders, Sleeping Disorders, Impulse Control Disorders, Adjustment Disorders, and Personality Disorders.

Yesterday we had to see four clients each of which were playing the role of one of these disorders and we had ten minutes to question each client and to come up with a speculative diagnosis before moving on to our next client. Of course we have to have done our reading about the disorders in order to play the part and to figure them out.

As counselors its fun seeing if we can pinpoint the disorder in such little time and as a client it’s a riot playing the part of the one who’s presenting with that specific disorder. Some, we jokingly say, are easier to play. All we have to do is act normal.

Take care, don’t work too hard and know that I keep you close to my heart.

Writefully Yours
Annette