Page 10 of If She Remembered
Kate found Dr.Chen's clinical tone interesting.While her words expressed concern for Carol's wellbeing, her delivery was detached and analytical rather than emotionally invested.
"Can you be more specific about these unhealthy dynamics?"
"Certainly,” Chen said.She studied Kate for a moment, as if trying to see if she was being purposefully challenged.“When adult children return to the family home, it often prevents proper adult development and creates codependency issues.The child may become too comfortable relying on parental support, while the parent may derive unhealthy satisfaction from being needed again."
"Did Carol share your concerns about these potential issues?"Kate asked.
"That's where things became complicated.Carol understood the theoretical risks, but emotionally, she was resistant to setting appropriate boundaries.She wanted to help Jake, but she was also fulfilling her own need to feel useful and needed again."
Kate studied Dr.Chen's expression, noting the way she discussed Carol's emotional state with professional distance rather than personal warmth."How long had you been working with Carol on these issues?"
"Since Jake moved back home, so approximately two weeks.Only two sessions.But Carol's anxiety wasn't limited to this situation."
“We understand that you specialize in working with empty nesters,” Kate said."So I assume you work with other patients dealing with adult children returning home.Would that be accurate?"
"Yes…and it’s becoming increasingly common, actually.Economic factors often force adult children to return to their parents' homes, which can reactivate old family dynamics in ways that aren't always healthy for anyone involved."
Dr.Chen glanced at the clock on her desk, clearly mindful of her upcoming appointment.Kate decided to focus on more specific information about Carol's treatment before they were politely asked to leave.
"Dr.Chen, I'd like to ask about Carol's treatment beyond individual therapy.Was she involved in any group programs or additional support?"
Dr.Chen hesitated for a moment, apparently weighing confidentiality concerns against the needs of the investigation."Again, I should stress that there is only so much I can tell you because of doctor-patient confidentiality.But… I suppose I’m not betraying that trust to tell you that Carol had been participating in a support group I run for empty nesters.It meets weekly, and she'd been attending regularly for several months."
"How was she responding to group therapy?"
"I didn't see a huge change, but I think it may have been helpful for Carol in some ways.I think it was just comforting for her to know that other people struggled with similar feelings.However, the situation with Jake complicated her progress.Some group members were supportive of her decision to help him, while others agreed with my assessment that she was enabling unhealthy dependence."
Kate found this dynamic interesting… if not a little messed up.She understood the therapeutic necessity of it, but it also seemed like nothing more than a lot of people judging someone else.
DeMarco shifted in her chair as if she was growing uncomfortable with the conversation."Did Carol ever express concerns about her safety or mention anyone who might wish her harm?"
"Nothing like that, no,” Dr.Chen said as if it were a completely ridiculous notion.“Carol's anxiety was focused on internal emotional issues rather than external threats.She was concerned about making the right decisions for Jake's future and managing her own adjustment to this new living arrangement."
Kate reached into her bag and pulled out her phone, scrolling to the photos she'd taken of Carol's prescription bottles when they’d been looking through the house."I'd like to show you something.These are medications we found in Carol's bedroom.Can you tell us which ones you prescribed for her?"
Dr.Chen examined the photos carefully, adjusting her glasses to see the labels clearly."I prescribed the anxiety medication," she said, pointing to one of the images."The lorazepam.But none of the others.Her primary care physician would have handled the blood pressure medication and antidepressant, I assume."
"And do the dosage and frequency look correct for what you prescribed?"
Dr.Chen studied the image and nodded.“Yes, that appears consistent with my prescription.Carol was generally compliant with her medication regimen and reported good results from the anxiety medication."
Kate studied Dr.Chen's reaction to the photos, noting that she showed no particular surprise or concern about the other medications."Did Carol ever mention having trouble sleeping or needing additional sedation?"
"I believe she occasionally had problems sleeping, but that was much further back, closer to her husband’s death.But we addressed those concerns through therapy techniques and the prescribed anxiety medication.She never requested anything stronger."
Dr.Chen glanced at the clock again, and Kate realized their time was nearly up."In your professional opinion, was Carol's mental state consistent with someone who might harm herself?"Kate asked.
"Not from anything I had seen.If she was having such thoughts, she was hiding themverywell.Despite her anxiety about the situation with Jake, Carol was not suicidal or self-destructive.She was actively engaged in therapy and committed to working through her challenges."Dr.Chen's response was immediate and confident.
"And her relationship with Jake?Any signs of serious conflict or resentment?"
"From Carol's perspective, no.She genuinely loved Jake and wanted to support him.My concerns were about the long-term implications of their arrangement, not about any immediate interpersonal problems."She then got to her feet and frowned at them."I'm sorry, but I really need to prepare for my next session."
"Of course," Kate said, rising from her chair."Thank you for your time.If we have additional questions, may we contact you again?"
"That would be fine.I hope you're able to determine what happened to Carol.Despite my professional concerns about some of her choices, she was a good person who deserved better than this."
As they prepared to leave Dr.Chen's office, Kate found herself with mixed impressions of the therapist.Her information about Carol's emotional state and the family dynamics was valuable, but her clinical detachment and strong opinions about adult children living with parents seemed to color her perspective in ways that might not fully capture Carol's experience.
