Basic Witches: How to Summon Success, Banish Drama, and Raise Hell with Your Coven

by Jaya Saxena

stability. If you’re uncomfortable or confused, or if you disagree with something the doctor is telling you, it will speak up for you. But because it is a toy, you’ll have to speak on its behalf using your own words. Bring your advocate with you to the appointment. (It doesn’t have to leave your purse or pocket.) When the doctor tells you something, check in silently with your advocate: Did that make sense, or was it confusing? Is the doctor listening to me, or ignoring me? Is the way they’re speaking to me respectful and kind, or brusque and dismissive? Do I feel welcome in this office? Does my gender appear correctly on the intake form? Are there blood pressure cuffs that fit my arm? If at any point your advocate thinks your doctor is being too opaque, it will give you permission to ask for a clearer explanation. If your advocate thinks your doctor is wrong, it will give you permission to seek a second opinion. And if your advocate thinks you’re being treated badly, it will give you permission to leave. Remember, it wants you to be healthy—but it will also stick up for you, even if you’re too scared. Once your advocate gives you permission to do something, you can do it without fear, because you know you have a backup.