[The following excerpt has been extracted from the audio recording of patient Will Solace's first session with Dr. Juniper Barley. Date unknown.]
Patient: [pause] Our cabin is pretty notorious for performing during campfire night, you know?
Dr. Barley: Pardon?
Patient: Like, we’re known for our performances. I like our rendition of “American Pie” best, but my brother doesn’t— well, he says he hates it, but he always manages to sneak in a sax solo. Or maybe he hates it because there’s never been sax in it until he added it.
Dr. Barley: Alright. And what happens during campfire night?
Patient: Oh. Well, we sing, dance, pray, sing some more. Play some games, if we’re bored. Or suicidal. [laughter]
Dr. Barley: So the campers pray together during campfire night—a communal activity. Would you describe this camp as particularly religious?
Patient: Kind of? It’s more cultural, maybe, but… yeah, no, definitely religious.
Dr. Barley: I see. And do you enjoy that aspect? Praying?
Patient: I mean—I kind of have to, right? We all need someone to look up to.
Dr. Barley: Are there any other religious practices you partake in at camp? Something you do on your own, or something you do as a community?
Patient: We offer food at the fire when we eat. That’s always nice—makes me feel… connected. Used to feel like I was praying to nobody, but then it all got real and… yeah.
Dr. Barley: What does that mean, “got real”?
Patient: I mean like—you realize it’s… real, you know? I know I sound like a lunatic, sorry [laughter] but it’s just those things where you get too many signs.
Dr. Barley: [hum] And did you ever feel an obligation to partake in religious practices, at times?
Patient: I mean, at first, kinda. But that was because I didn’t understand what we were doing.
Dr. Barley: That’s a pretty common experience within religious communities, especially those you bond with your family in. You said earlier you had to wait to find out what cabin you “belonged in.” How do you know where you “belong”?
read more: Will Solace: A Case Study in Trauma-Informed Care through a Multicultural Lens
