[912A166E]
<c=1>Patient 32. Initial Assessment

Transcribing my notes on the patient. Overall, an interesting case. In these notes I shall restrict myself to more general observations on the personality and behavioral aspects demonstrated during our time together. Detailed discussion of delusions, etc, etc. will be saved for a more specific addendum.

[84097A7E]
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Real 'stand up' type. Seems to put a large amount of importance on 'doing the right thing', on behaving correctly. In public certainly.

Would like to be seen as 'dependable' and would be quite happy to be given droll acknowledgements such as being 'a hard worker', or 'one of the good guys.' Says 'fairly cautious about the big things.'

[84097A7F]
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A real 'fun lover'. Despite events, seems a natural optimist. Would like to be valued for their spontaneity and how 'unconventional' they might be judged to be by others. Doesn't seem to care too much for 'head living' or for over-thinking life.

Would like to be remembered as someone who, to quote the corny maxim, 'lived for today'. Has a hunger for 'exciting things' - likes to create things, to share with others. Lays claim to being 'charming'. I'll give the benefit of the doubt.

[84097A80]
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Thinks of self as a good 'thinker' in the sense of relying on, or trusting in, logic. Strong personality and sense of self-belief. Would love to be referred to with superlatives such as 'genius', 'innovator', etc, etc.

Seems to enjoy being given a problem and going to work with it. Not so crazy about the floppier, more cuddly parts of life. Can sometimes offend others, but not prepared to compromise.

[84097A81]
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A bit of a dreamer here. Seems driven by 'positive' ideals - wants to help, befriend, nurture and otherwise enhance the lives of others, whether they want this or not... Quite interested in reflection and 'self-improvement' - sees life as a 'journey'.

Resorts to a lot of tired growth and floral metaphors. Seems averse to conflict. Likes to be referred to as a 'romantic'. Likes to rely on intuition. Therapy 'felt' like the right thing to do.

[84097EBF]
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Seems to value 'commitment'. Certainly willing to forgo the joys of freedom for the shackles of a relationship. Might be more worried about their partner cheating than any general moral compunction - certainly no prude. Quoted some quite amusing fantasies during session.

[84097EC0]
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Serious about relationships. Seems quite committed and family-focused. Pretty straight-laced, and I don't think this is a front. Dependable and committed, but lousy in bed?

[84097EC1]
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Bit of a free spirit when we get onto subject of sex. Certainly doesn't respond strongly to ideas of commitment and family. Maybe out of personal drives - strongly motivated sexually. Willing to describe sexual history and likes/dislikes in somewhat unnecessary detail.

[84097EC2]
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Clams up a bit when we get onto sex. Seems commitment-averse, or at least seems to struggle with the idea of a lifelong partner or family? Not out of any great desire to seek pleasure - patient's sexual history and fantasies very dull, very plain.

[84098300]
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Sometimes called 'quiet'. Prides self on being 'focused' when working toward 'goals' and 'objectives'. Very good at 'avoiding distractions', whatever they are.

[84098301]
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Imagines others would describe them, positively, as 'flexible'. Claims to understand what makes things tick. Good at 'getting to the heart of the matter'.

[84098302]
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Very conscientious. Says they are always aware of 'obligations'. Others might criticize for being too 'thorough' or 'detail-orientated' (not my phrase!)

[84098303]
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A very 'sensitive soul'. Prides self on being 'kind' and on 'enjoying life as it comes'. Seems to be very unhappy when conflicts are brought up. Would prefer to be left to their own devices, have their 'own space', rather than be exposed to arguments and disagreements. Didn't like my angry voice!

[84098304]
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Is very insistent on asking the 'meaning' of things. Seems to enjoy postulating as to the whys and wherefores of other people's actions. Seems fairly committed to their idea of 'what is right' and has good plan for how to achieve this!

[84098305]
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Likes to be thought of as someone who can make things happen. A bit idealistic, perhaps. Very important to patient that what they do in the world is 'true to themself'.

[84098306]
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'Has great ideas.' Very good at seeing the 'way things are going' and can plan ahead. Seems to be a strict judge of self, and others. 'Driven'.

[84098307]
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A real 'analyzer'. Loves to theorize. Very willing to go on at length to describe their own ideas and explanations for things. Not as hot on people so much - analysis here is often simple and/or naive...

[84098308]
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Tells me not to 'bother with theories'. Seems to have some disdain for too much academic thought. Likes to hear 'concrete advice'. Very energetic. Loves to be described as the 'life of the party'.

[84098309]
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Describes self as 'practical'. A bit of a 'by the numbers' type. Wants to understand the process, the steps we will take.

[0539E331]
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Very amiable. Seems to put everything in the context of doing it with others. 'Loves life'. Very relaxed - spontaneous, flexible, likes to 'work with others', enjoys 'getting to know people'.

[0539E332]
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Most proud of being 'open hearted'. Big on harmony, on making sure everyone is involved, everyone is happy. Very loyal to friends, apparently.

[0539E333]
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Well-spoken. Easy to get enthused if talking on the right subject. Excited about lots of things. Comfortable when pushed to use imagination.

[0539E334]
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Finds it easy to 'empathize' with others. Thinks everyone has 'something to offer'. Likes to organize and help others. Uses word 'potential' too often. Seems to take what I say fairly seriously.

[0539E335]
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Very vocal. Interesting to speak with. Knows a lot, though tends to change topics fairly rapidly. I would say a 'quick thinker'.

[0539E336]
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Outspoken and forceful. Very good at making decisions 'quickly' and 'firmly.' Prides self on seeing the 'big picture'. Dislikes inefficiency and illogic, especially in others... Certainly 'doesn't suffer fools gladly'!

[84098741]
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Has aspects of addictive personality. Might sometimes over-indulge tastes on occasion. 'Why not?' Indeed.

[84098742]
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Claims to treat body well. Not necessarily a 'clean living' type, but knows what is good for self. Thinks this has some importance.

[84098B82]
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Organized. Thinks others would criticize for being too 'old fashioned' in some beliefs. (Feel myself getting a bit bored just writing this down!)

Patient in one word: 'dependable'.

[84098B83]
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Not necessarily a 'go getter' or the type to lead from the front, but happy to 'sort things out' when necessary. Sometimes reserved?

Patient in one word: a 'do-er'.

[84098B84]
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Likes to insist on tidiness and having 'everything in its place.' Seems to take pride in being nice to others. I suggested patient would make a useful and reliable roommate. Patient smiled.

Patient in a few words: 'clean and tidy'.

[84098B85]
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Certainly wouldn't want to 'force' or 'impose' own values on others. 'Values' are important. Wasn't brilliant at defining what 'values' meant, probably didn't want to offend me!

Patient in one word... Bit of an 'artiste'.

[84098B86]
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Seems to think there is an explanation for everything. To be fair, seems fairly perceptive when talking about acquaintances.

Patient in two words... Perhaps, a 'good listener'?

[84098B87]
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Seems to have an internal set of values. Didn't like it when I poked at these. Likes to nurture others (like I said, 'idealistic'!)

Patient in one word? Definitely a 'dreamer'...

[84098B88]
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Has been accused of being too 'skeptical' before - not their fault that 'others are wrong!' Likes to 'get things done'. Aren't we lucky?

Patient in a few words? Let's say 'the thinker'...

[84098B89]
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Is 'quiet', but 'always thinking'. Might be seen as 'critical'. Does have a quite developed ability to abstract and dissect. Uses word 'logically' often during discussions!

Patient in a few words? Let's go with 'the theorizer'...

[84098B8A]
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Mentions possessions, fashion a few times in session. Claims, God help me, 'life is the best teacher'. A bit restless during latter stages of session.

Patient in a few words? I already said it, so let's go with 'life of the party'.

[84098B8B]
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Everything seems very 'on the surface'. Would - I'm sure! - like to understand the 'ground rules'.

Patient in a few words? Let's go with 'by the book'.

[053AFBF3]
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Seems everything can be 'fun' if we share this patient's outlook. 'Not a hippy' though - fun is just fun. Not mantra. (I'm paraphrasing here).

Patient in a few words? Bit of a 'performer'...

[053AFBF4]
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Likes to do things well; very important that 'everything is in balance'. Very attentive to other's needs. A genuine maternal type at heart?

Patient in a few words? A real 'Florence Nightingale'.

[053AFBF5]
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Seems to expect me to validate their statements - certainly responds well to flattery...

Patient in a few words? Let's go with 'high energy'.

[053AFBF6]
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Feels 'responsible' and thinks 'responsibilities' are something to be taken seriously. Would love to be said to have 'inspired' or to have 'helped as many people as possible'.

Patient in a few words? 'Teacher' comes to mind.

[053AFBF7]
<c=1>

Patient likes to have curve balls thrown at them, and to knock them back. Likes to 'analyze the therapist'. Doesn't 'like to be bored', God forbid!

Patient in a few words... I'm feeling 'tinkerer'.

[053AFBF8]
<c=1>

Well read, very knowledgeable. Certainly sees self as 'the boss' in most scenarios. Prides self on being 'frank' with others... I can verify this.

Patient in a few words? Hard to resist something like 'the general'...

[912A1674]
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So... summing up. Am sure patient will be back - lots of uncovered ground. Don't believe we've seen everything yet. Might be worth going back to the start and re-examining with benefit of what we know now. Think patient will agree?