TRANSCRIPT 3
Sydney Cleary and Curtis Lowe, Couples’ Counseling Session
Ellen Dwyer, Psychologist, PsyD
Ellen:
How is your sex life now? After the affair?
Sydney:
It’s nonexistent. I’m not interested, and neither is he.
Curtis:
That’s not true, Syd. I’m trying to respect what you want.
Sydney:
You never touch me. You never even try.
Curtis:
I want to. But… I’m scared.
Ellen:
Does it feel okay to share some of what you’re afraid of?
Curtis:
I’m afraid I won’t be able to perform. That Sydney will think I’m not attracted to her anymore. And if I can do the deed, I’m afraid Sydney will assume I’m thinking about Collette.
Ellen:
Do you miss being physically close with Sydney?
Curtis:
Of course I do. I’ve always been attracted to her, and I still am.
Ellen:
And what about you, Sydney?
Sydney:
I miss being close to him. And I miss sex. But I don’t want to have sex with Curtis anymore. It’s too risky.
Curtis:
I used protection with Collette. I told you.
Sydney:
You had this incredible night of passion while you were drunk and high, but you expect me to believe that Collette had a condom in her purse, and you used it?
Curtis:
Yes, I do. I was honest enough to tell you about a meaningless one-night stand. Why would I lie about this? I’ve been tested for STDs. I got the all-clear.
Ellen:
STDs are a valid concern, but I think Sydney is wondering how you could put her physical and emotional well-being at risk for something so meaningless?
Sydney:
That’s exactly what I’m wondering.
Curtis:
I fucked up! I know that. But does this mean we’re never having sex again, Syd? We’re just going to be roommates because I made one horrible mistake?
Sydney:
A mistake is forgetting to buy milk. Or losing your wallet in the back of a cab. You cheated on me! You broke my heart! You can’t guilt me into making love to you.
Ellen:
Let’s work on rebuilding emotional safety for now. On touching each other in intimate but nonsexual ways. This will help you find your way back to each other physically.
Curtis:
I hope so.