I got him to a psychologist under the auspices of seeking marriage counseling. Just as I had suspected, the doc very gently said, “I can’t work with you as a couple but I would like to work with HIM.” I took this as code as I’m not fucked up, he is (which I believe). Unfortunately, after one session alone with HIM, the doc said, “I’m not sure I can help him, but if he wants to come back again, that’s fine.” Which is better than our usual past track record; every psychologist and psychiatrist we’ve seen in the past 10 years—barring one who saw him for two years—has declined to give him treatment.
Do you have any idea how that makes me feel, when I am vulnerable to attack at any moment? When I live every day with unfounded criticism, angry outbursts and violent threats? NO ONE can help us? And let’s not even talk about the legal system: an order of protection won’t protect any woman who has a man with hate in his heart—there’s nothing anyone can do. I must be smart and wily…I must stay centered and calm to persevere.