Chapter 9 - THE THERAPIST WHO REFUSED SIDES
Dr. Naomi Reed specialized in blended-family conflict.
Jason hated her instantly.
That was probably healthy.
The first session included Daniel and both teens.
Rachel did not attend.
Naomi’s rule:
“Biological parent first. Step-parent later.”
Good.
Jason said Rachel controlled everything.
Naomi asked:
“What specifically?”
“The house.”
“She owns it?”
“Yes.”
“Next.”
“My gaming.”
“Who bought it?”
Jason rolled his eyes.
“She did.”
“Next.”
“Money.”
“What money?”
“She pays for stuff and then acts like—”
Jason stopped.
Naomi waited.
“Like what?”
“Like we owe her.”
Daniel interrupted.
“She has never said that.”
Naomi held up a hand.
“I asked Jason.”
Jason looked angry.
Then:
“She doesn’t have to say it.”
That mattered.
Maybe Rachel’s generosity had created pressure without intention.
Naomi explored it.
Did Rachel mention costs?
Rarely.
Did she expect gratitude?
Maybe not.
Did Jason feel dependent?
Yes.
Did Melissa emphasize that dependence?
Yes.
Both could be true.
At a later session, Rachel joined.
Naomi asked her:
“Why did you pay for so much?”
Rachel answered honestly.
“Because I could.”
“Anything else?”
Rachel thought.
“Because I wanted the kids to feel equally provided for.”
“Anything else?”
Rachel hated the question.
Then admitted:
“Because being useful made me feel less replaceable.”
Silence.
That truth surprised everyone.
Rachel had her own insecurity.
She entered a family with a mother already in it.
She told herself she did not need to be loved like a mother.
But she made herself indispensable in practical ways.
Trips.
Fees.
Devices.
Food.
Transport.
She had not consciously bought affection.
But part of her had used caretaking to prove she belonged.
Naomi nodded.
“That does not justify Jason’s behavior.”
Rachel looked at him.
“Good.”
“But it does mean this family built meaning around money without speaking.”
Daniel looked down.
Again.
Silence as policy.
Naomi gave them new rules.
No parent or stepparent uses money to measure loyalty.
No child uses biological status as permission for cruelty.
No adult speaks negatively about another parent through the children.
No hidden financial myths.
No forcing affection.
No reward for disrespect.
No punishment for honesty.
Jason said:
“Mom won’t agree.”
Naomi answered:
May you like
“She does not need to be in this room for you to choose what you do.”
Jason had no response.
