Tessa's Escape to Athena's Ground(12)

                Tessa realized every client must walk through that door petrified, and this woman, this receptionist, was doing her best to put the client at ease.

                The receptionist, who introduced herself as Diane, offered Tessa a cup of tea. “We have herbal,” she said softly.

                Tessa declined the tea but accepted the stack of forms Diane handed her.

                “Please fill these out. There’s a desk in the sitting room. It’s private, and comfortable.”

                Diane pointed to a small room painted in a soft shade of green, trimmed in the same cream as the front door. It held a plush cream loveseat and a small writing desk.

                The first few forms were similar to what anyone would see at a new doctor’s office. They required a detailed health history and a medical record consent to release a copy of all of Tessa’s medical records to them. There was a statement of financial obligation, spelling out that Athena’s Ground did not accept any form of insurance. Shawntay had prepared Tessa for a major expense, and the About Costs handout was both cryptic and astonishing. Tessa would definitely need a more comprehensive explanation before she handed over her credit card.



                             If About Costs frightened Tessa, it was nothing compared to the next section of forms. They were a different color, pale green like the walls of the sweet little room she sat in now. But these forms were not just stapled together, they were also sealed. What could be so private that even the questions were sealed?

                The cover sheet read:

                Athena’s Ground Goal

                To help you understand and let go of your past,

                To fully experience the present—the good and the bad—as we work toward...

                Your future, characterized by freedom, love, and peace.





                At the bottom of the cover sheet, a disclaimer read:





                Confidential and Binding:

                Athena’s Ground holds ALL of the information you provide in strict confidence. Please be assured the information you provide on the following Green Sheets will be kept in utmost privacy and shared ONLY with those who will be working directly with you.

                In order for Athena’s Ground therapy to be effective, it is vital that you complete these Green Sheets fully and honestly.

                Athena’s Ground agrees to hold this information confident.

                I _________________________ (sign here) agree to provide complete and honest answers.





                Tessa looked at the Confidential and Binding notice, and wondered if it was too late to slip out the front door. Instead, she slid her pen under the seal, broke it, and turned to the first Green Sheet.





-6-

                “It’s nice to meet you. My name is Carmen.”

                Tessa nodded but said nothing. Her face was pale and she entered the room with her arms folded across her chest, like a plate of armor.

                “This probably is a bit overwhelming,” Carmen said, smiling. “Please, sit down.” She gestured at two lushly upholstered chairs. A small round coffee table sat between the chairs, and a silver tray with tea and scones provided an invitation to relax.

                Tessa settled into a chair while Carmen poured two cups of tea. “Milk? Honey? Sugar?”