Chapter 12

Summary

• Phil is unsure of how to behave in his first therapy session and questions whether to sit or lie down.
• His therapist, Dr. Kovitz, encourages him to do whatever feels comfortable and suggests that they start talking together.
• Phil is there because his doctor recommended talking therapy since he was unwilling to take anti-depressants, and his daughter is concerned about him.
• Dr. Kovitz challenges Phil's notion that British people aren't big on expressing feelings.
• Phil reluctantly begins to discuss the passing of his father, describing it as a significant and dark event in his life.
• Though his father's death from cancer was somewhat expected, the impact was profound, affecting not only Phil but also his mother, Nancy.
• Nancy initially struggled after her husband's death but eventually found resilience and a new sense of purpose by volunteering and teaching baking.
• Phil feels troubled as he cannot move on as easily as his mother has, struggling with dreams of his father and feelings of uselessness.
• He mentions vague "bits and bobs" as other issues he's facing in life, but internally acknowledges much deeper problems such as job loss, marital strain, lack of motivation, and depression.
• Dr. Kovitz listens and tries to understand Phil's concept of "normal stuff," prompting Phil to reflect on his life compared to others' hardships.
• Phil contemplates the futility of talking therapy in his situation but is too overwhelmed to articulate these feelings to Dr. Kovitz.
• Phil decides abruptly that therapy isn't for him and tries to leave, but Dr. Kovitz calmly keeps the option open for Phil to return next week.
• Phil leaves and walks home, feeling heavy with the weight of his emotions, expresses brief affection to his dog, and retreats to bed.