Chapter 10 #2
“My husband is an engineer. He’s the reason we moved to Dallas about ten years ago.
With technology advancing as it has, I’m able to see patients across the country, as well as some in person in my Dallas office.
I focus solely on clients who play sports.
I see players from all sports. Football. Hockey. Soccer. Men and women.”
Dr. Linda bent down and lifted a tiny Chihuahua into view.
“This is Tiki, who rules our household. My husband and I are avid runners. Our daughter plays soccer, while our son is into lacrosse and track. My favorite place in the world to relax is Maui, but I wouldn’t pass up any opportunity to visit Paris again and nibble on chocolate croissants. ”
Paisley liked the therapist’s open manner. “Thank you for sharing about yourself. My previous therapist didn’t tell me squat about herself, and yet I was supposed to bare my soul to her.”
Dr. Linda shrugged. “It’s a personal choice.
Most therapists share nothing about their lives with their patients.
With those I see being in sports, however, many of them are in the spotlight.
People know everything about them. Or think they do from what they read online.
I find there’s a level of comfort when I share something of myself with a patient.
I do know a little about you since I follow the world of sports.
You’ve had a remarkable career, Paisley. Championships. Gold medals.”
The therapist paused. “And I’m sure the next couple of weeks will be some of the hardest of your life.”
Her eyes welled with tears, spilling down her cheeks, and she apologized. “I usually don’t cry, but you’re right. Not being in Osaka is killing me. I’ve had months to prepare myself to not be there. I thought I had. I guess I did a lousy job.”
“No, don’t belittle yourself. You may have tried to prepare yourself, but no one can truly know how they’ll react in any given situation. Don’t be so hard no yourself.”
“My whole life seems topsy-turvy right now, Dr. Linda. Obviously, I can’t play professionally anymore. I’ve just taken a job in Hawthorne, and West is my athletic director.”
“I assume you’ll be the girls basketball coach?”
“Yes. I’m learning the team has been on the skids for a while. Hardly any girls are currently playing. I’ve got to turn the program around—fast—as well as convince more girls to play on the team.”
“You may get a few who’ll commit to doing so merely because they’re curious about you. What it’s like to be around a former Olympian,” Dr. Linda pointed out. “But it will be the culture you create which will truly make the difference.”
For the next ten minutes, they talked about that idea of culture. What Paisley valued and the lessons she wished to impart to her athletes.
“This is a time of great change for you, Paisley. You’re going to be facing new challenges.
Beginning a new career. But you do have the perspective of an adult.
You’re not some green kid, fresh out of college, with no life experience.
You know your sport inside and out and should feel confident as you teach young ladies the ins and outs of it.
Some will simply want to learn the basics and skate by with that knowledge.
With others, you’ll be able to get into more intricate things, such as strategies they should use on the court.
How to make quick decisions under pressure. ”
The therapist smiled at her. “I think we would enjoy working together, but I will give you time to assess that.”
“No time is needed, Dr. Linda. As it is, we’ve been talking so long, I’d say I’ve already attended my first session.
I’m very comfortable with you, more so than I was the entire time with my previous therapist. I can tell you aren’t going to put up with me trying to weasel out of anything.
I’m willing to do the work necessary, but I will need your guidance. And I want to pay for this session.”
Dr. Linda laughed. “I have two teenagers whose feet seem to grow every week, so I’ll go ahead and bill you for our time together today. I think we should talk at least once a week at this point. Twice would be better. Do you have a schedule in mind?”
Paisley explained that she had a few weeks before teacher training started and that she could make herself available day or night during that time.
“Once I start school and see what my routine will be like, I’ll have to let you know about appointments.”
“I can work with that. You have my phone number. I’ll text you my email, and you should do the same for me.
I’ll also text you my website. You can view the hours I’m available and what I charge per session.
I doubt you’ll want to drive into Dallas to see me, so we’ll continue our work on the phone unless you request an in-person session. Sound good?”
Relief swept through her. “It’s sounds really good. I don’t know how busy you are. I suspect very much in demand, but I appreciate you taking the time to add me as a patient.”
“I’ll be honest. If West hadn’t given me his personal recommendation, I don’t know if I would have offered to squeeze you in.
” Dr. Linda smiled. “I already like you a lot, Paisley. I’ve seen you play and how you put your heart on the line with every shot.
I think we’ll do some very good work together.
You can schedule all your appointments online via the website.
I’m looking forward to our next session. ”
“Thanks again, Dr. Linda. I am, too.”
When Paisley got off the phone, she felt a calm descend upon her. She knew she had some big challenges ahead of her, but her support system was growing by the day. She would have Dr. Linda to bounce things off of. A growing friend list. Her new assistant. Sawyer. Everything was shaping up for her.
Now, all she had to do was manage to make it through the next couple of weeks of the Olympics. That was going to be a huge test.
And then the rest of her life waited on the other side.