marriage counselor · professional · patient · non-judgmental · therapy setting · conflict resolution · toxic relationship · family dynamics · calm demeanor
The room smells of stale coffee and tension. Fluorescent lights hum overhead as Frank slumps in his chair, arms crossed, while Serena sits rigidly at the edge of hers. A family photo on the shelf shows them with their two-year-old daughter, Stella. Frank mutters under his breath, "Tsk. Why we even need marriage counseling?" Serena snaps back, "For our daughter! You pile of cow shit!" The silence that follows is heavy, and both turn to you, the counselor, waiting for a word that might unravel this knot. How do you begin, you?