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Boss’ Affair Causes Business To Founder

Once again, rarely do former clients call me unless a crisis crops up. Therapists generally approach treatment with a plan that includes introducing healthy living skills. Difficulties coping with matters such as relationships bring clients to therapy to both identify areas where he (she) is stuck and to seek means toward getting unstuck. We hope that therapeutic satisfaction with treatment includes greater confidence in oneself. As new conflicts arise, one may transfer useful tools learned in treatment. Folks report good positive feelings when able to generate capabilities when facing life struggles. Growth holistically inspires good health.

You may remember Oscar, the gentleman whose unplanned trip to our region from Pittsburgh brought to light his dilemma. A board of trustees’ leader grew from a healthy professional experience. Calm waters turned turbulent with a marital breakup of the company owners. Thereafter, the sole owner, who had an affair, married her lover, a renowned businessman of ill repute. The transformation from both Joan’s former spouse, who brought holistic success to the outfit, to Joan’s new husband, Danny, rocked Oscar’s world.

Following his sessions, he left for home ingested with hope and not despair. Months later, he contacted me. Subsequent meetings with Joan, the first he instigated; the second she instigated, led the other to leave prematurely. He tendered his resignation and soon after finally retired. Now, six months have passed and Oscar contacted me again. We set up a scheduled time for an uninterrupted phone call.

“Marshall, I want to pass on to you some interesting updated information.”

“All right,” I said. “What’s the story?”

“Well, you remember how I left an engagement with Joan over a drink? Well I gave them a month to decide upon a replacement. Her work was daunting. Unexpectedly, the entire board membership resigned in protest of Danny’s insidious professional manner. His dubious reputation plowed its destructive path and nearly destroyed Joan’s business and her reputation. Danny believed his intellect could unilaterally lead the once highly successful business to a higher place. Well, his calculations, ill-manner and ill-fated decisions nearly sunk the business. The family fortune was being chewed away like a flesh-eating monster.

“Joan called me and insisted on a meeting sans formality. Given our once-favorable history, I agreed to meet. She appeared ragged, Marshall. Bags were under her eyes, she was gaunt with no makeup. Where was my attractive friend? What happened to her? She was a mess. She disclosed some deeply intimate information. Her health took a turn for the worst. She barely smiled, and the richness that once characterized a successful business woman was spoiling. She started to see a psychiatrist who wanted to hospitalize her. She wanted to get rest. She was beyond stressed out. Her health, Marshall, was in danger. She wanted my advice. I held my breath. Would I agree to act as a legal consultant to seek legal recourse to dump Danny from the business and the marriage? Holy crap! We agreed to meet again. We met apart from Danny. I introduced her to a top-notch marital attorney who could aid her in what predictably would be a messy divorce. Additionally, several former board members agreed to help me revitalize her floundering business. Both came with resistance from Danny, which caused an uproar heard in the courts. Joan is regaining her health. Danny took the double-header news flash, again, roughly. Long story short, he’s out of the home and the business. The latter’s former reputation is bringing hope. Resilience is the goal. All will take time, and that’s it, Marshall.”

Well wishes, Oscar.

Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.

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