“There’s only one person in this entire world who benefits from you not being able to enjoy anything good in your life.” Rita’s forehead becomes a series of lines. “Who?” “You,” I say. I point out to her that pain can be protective; staying in a depressed place can be a form of avoidance. Safe inside her shell of pain, she doesn’t have to face anything, nor does she have to emerge into the world, where she might get hurt again. Her inner critic serves her: I don’t have to take any action because I’m worthless.
