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Charli had barely taken a seat when the door on the other side of the waiting room opened. A woman who couldn’t be much older than her stepped through with a warm smile directed at Finn. “Hello. Are you ready for our session?”
“Yeah.” He nodded, turning towards Charli. “This is my wife, Charli.”
The woman brought her attention to Charli. “Nice to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you. I’m Rebecca Cole.” She reached her hand out.
Charli returned the gesture. “Nice to meet you as well.”
Rebecca waved her hand towards the door. “Well, come on in. Can I get you some water, tea, or coffee?”
“I’m fine thanks.” Charli followed her in, Finn’s heat at her backside.
The room had a single rectangular desk organized neatly. In front of that was a chair where Rebecca sat, pulling a yellow notepad onto her lap with a pen. Finn guided Charli to the white couch across from her with only a small coffee table separating them. Several framed degrees and certificates lined the walls in between large, abstract paintings with cool, soothing colors.
She unzipped her coat and slipped her arms out of it before resting against the soft cushion of the overstuffed couch.
“Let’s get down to it. Charli, do you know why Finn asked you here today?” Rebecca asked.
Charli gave Finn a brief glance before focusing back on the therapist. “To work through our issues?” Charli gave a self-depreciating laugh.
“Finn? Why don’t you tell Charli what you told me during our last session?”
Finn nodded and turned to face her. He cleared his throat. “I’m afraid I’m going to lose you for good. I’m afraid I went too far and hurt you too much for you to stay in this marriage.”
She nodded, swallowing the ball of emotions that rose.
“Charli? Finn filled me in on the events leading up to the argument you two had, but I’d love to hear from your perspective where you are at with everything. If you’re willing, of course.” Rebecca sat back and tucked a dark strand of her hair behind her ear, her focus solely on Charli now.
“I want this marriage to work. I love Finn with everything in me. But I can’t take the secrets, the lies, and omissions.”
“That is quite understandable. Part of my job is helping spouses of those affected by PTSD find a way to implement boundaries with their partner and still remain supportive. One of the ways we do that is getting to the root of each of your needs and your hard limits for your relationship. This is unique to every couple. Is that something you’d be interested in doing?” Rebecca asked.
Charli inhaled. Did she want to rehash this and try this new approach? If it can save my marriage, it’s worth a try. “Yes.”
Finn let out a breath he must have been holding as relief flitted across his features.
“Okay. Why don’t you tell Finn everything you need from a husband? These should be things that unless you have them, you will not be happy in the relationship. They are different from wants in that way. These are your non-negotiables.”
Charli turned towards her husband. His brown eyes met hers, full of cautious hope.
“I need you to communicate with me about everything. I don’t want to have to guess if you’re in a bad mood or if something’s wrong. I want you to tell me. I don’t want you to keep things from me, even if you’re afraid they will hurt me. I just need honesty.”
He nodded.
“I need to be able to rely on you and trust you in order to feel safe. I need for you to hear me.”
“Is there anything else?” Rebecca asked.
“I think that’s the main things that are missing.”
“And what are your non-negotiables?”
“Lying, omissions, vagueness, and your temper.”
Finn winced.
Rebecca scribbled on her pad of paper and looked towards Finn. “Finn, do you think you can meet Charli’s needs for honesty, open communication, and controlling your temper?”
“I want to.” He rubbed a hand over the back of his neck.
