[Insider Exclusive] The Therapist Ch. 01 (Patreon)

Christmas isn't over yet! I've teased it for a while now and finally want to pull the trigger. This is the first chapter of our CYOA series. It's currently sitting at just under 5k words. That's roughly the length I'm going to try to hit with each chapter.

At the end of each chapter, there will be a choice for you to vote on to decide where the story should go. Not every choice will be sexual, not every choice will be Nathan's. I would love to say that I'll be able to knock out 1 - 2 chapters a month on this and that is certainly the goal, but I'm not sure how realistic that is yet, and getting out new chapters of EP and Window to Temptation will be the priority.

I'll likely close voting after a week or so in order to get the chapter written in time.

Keep in mind, I do post to a few different mediums (not just Patreon) so if the vote is ever close and it goes in a different direction than what the poll here shows that likely means it broke the other way on another platform (you can always just ask). That said, Patreon is the lion's share of my subscribers by a large margin so that will only come into play if it's just a few votes.

Alright, enough chatter. I'm super excited to start this one with you and can't wait to see how it goes.

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The rain started as Dr. Nathan Coleman crossed the city limits, a light mist that clung to the windshield of his Mercedes. He checked his GPS as he navigated the winding coastal highway, his pale blue eyes reflecting back at him through the screen. He ran his fingers through his beard, still getting used to the way that it felt on his face. His entire life, he'd been clean-shaven. The facial hair felt foreign to him, like he was wearing someone else's skin. But it was important that he start fresh. He didn't want to draw attention, not yet.

The radio crackled as he tried to find a station within range.

“—Grace Hart was released this morning from St. Augustine’s Psychiatric Facility in Florida after an eleven-month stay. Hart, thirty-two, first entered the public eye as one of the original victims in the Holy Isle case. After the presumed death of the Father, she was committed to St. Augustine’s for two years and released shortly thereafter. It was during that initial stay that she met best-selling author and relationship expert Dr. Nathan Coleman, who began treating her nearly three years ago.

Hart was recommitted following accusations that she stalked and sexually assaulted Dr. Coleman. Though prosecutors initially considered filing charges, the case did not move forward, and she has now been discharged. The situation has ignited heated debate among mental-health professionals and the public alike: while prosecutors assert that Hart became dangerously obsessed with Dr. Coleman, others argue that his unconventional therapeutic methods amounted to reckless experimentation that contributed to her breakdown. Dr. Coleman has declined to comment and has since retired from practice in Northeast Florida. In local news—”

Nathan switched it off.

His hands shook lightly on the wheel, his jaw tightened. Eleven months. Eleven months of critics and blowhards who thought they understood the type of work Nathan was doing. Eleven months of colleagues not returning his phone calls, of ethics reviews and publishers postponing release dates. All of it because of Grace Hart.

The name still made his blood boil.

He could still see her in that first session, buttoned up to her throat, hands folded, voice barely above a whisper when describing her marriage. "We haven't been intimate in months. Maybe longer. I don't know anymore." Her husband sitting beside her, frustrated but trying to hide it. A classic case. Religious upbringing, sexual shame, dead bedroom. He'd seen it dozens of times.

Three weeks later, she'd been a different woman. Laughing during sessions. Making eye contact. Her husband called it a miracle. "I don't know what you're doing, but keep doing it."

Nathan's hands tightened on the wheel as he subconsciously accelerated around a corner. She should have been his greatest success.

But then, everything changed. Her growth had turned into an ob_s_ession. His or hers… that question was up for debate. She shouldn't have remembered anything that happened during their sessions, and certainly didn't have any proof of misconduct. Yet, she showed up at his house, naked… wanting. She sent him photos, letters.

The tires of his Mercedes squealed as he took another turn too fast, his speed climbing. He could still feel her body against his, the warmth of her as she enveloped his cock. He tried to push the thought aside as he began to stiffen.

Then in an instant, it all fell apart. She showed up at his office while he was with another client, insisting that something had happened between them that she couldn't quite remember.

Dr. Coleman let out a long breath, loosening his grip on the steering wheel as he let off the gas. The highway curved inland, and suddenly, Harmony Falls materialized through the mist. Downtown clustered along the waterfront, older brick buildings from the lumber boom era, renovated into breweries and boutiques. Church spires pierced the low clouds. Residential streets climbed eastward into forested hills.

Perfect.

Small enough that a sex therapist would seem progressive, necessary even. Large enough to maintain privacy, to avoid small-town gossip. Close enough to Seattle for legitimacy, far enough to be forgotten.

Nathan followed his GPS instructions into The Bluffs, where newer construction blended with renovated homes. His rental sat at the end of Harborview Lane. A modest two-story with a separate entrance that led to an inlaw suite, perfect for someone trying to start up their own practice.

He pulled into the driveway and killed the engine. Time to begin again.

***

Nathan popped the trunk and surveyed the moving truck already parked at the curb. The driver had left the ramp down, boxes stacked inside waiting. He grabbed his leather overnight bag first, then a box labeled "Office—Books."

"Need a hand?"

A man in his late twenties jogged across the lawn from the house next door. He was athletic-looking, with sandy brown hair and a friendly face. He wore jeans and a Seahawks hoodie, making Nathan realize he needed to update his wardrobe.

"Ethan Morrison." He extended his hand. "My wife and I live right there. Saw the truck and figured—" He stopped mid-sentence, his mouth growing into a smile, his eyes wide in recognition. "Wait. Holy shit. Are you… You're Dr. Coleman. Like, THE Dr. Coleman."

Nathan's stomach dropped, but his face remained neutral. He set down the box and shook Ethan's hand firmly.

"I am. Though I wasn't expecting anyone in Harmony Falls to recognize me."

"Dude, my sister has your book. Unlocking Intimacy, right? Between that and your TED talks, I swear she idolizes you."

"Well, it's always nice to meet a fan."

Ethan rubbed the back of his neck and leaned into Nathan. "Honestly, I gave your book a read. Hoped it would help with my wife, Mei. She and I…"

Nathan's expression must have shown something, because Ethan caught himself mid-sentence. "Anyway, it's a pleasure to meet you." He grinned, then called over his shoulder. "Mei! Come meet our new neighbor."

A woman emerged from the house, with a watering can. She gave the planters a disappointed look, then set the can down on the porch, wiped her hand on her jeans and hurried over. She was petite, maybe five-three in her canvas sneakers. Her dark hair was pulled back in a ponytail, putting her Asian features and bone structure on display.

"This is my wife, Mei." Ethan wrapped an arm around her shoulders. Nathan couldn't help but notice how she wore long sleeves despite the warm weather.

"Welcome to the neighborhood." She extended her hand, her dark, almond-shaped eyes meeting his briefly. "I hope Ethan hasn't talked your ear off already. He gets excited about new people."

"Hey, I'm being helpful," Ethan protested, pulling her tighter. Her laugh was light and playful. Nathan studied their posture trying to figure out exactly why they would need one of his books.

"How are you finding Harmony Falls so far?" she asked, pulling her hand away quicker than expected, her fingers immediately found each other, fidgeting at her waist.

"It seems peaceful. Exactly the type of place I was hoping for."

The conversation continued for another ten minutes talking about local coffee shops and good hiking trails. He learned she was an avid baker and enjoyed going to the farmer's market every Saturday.

Ethan grabbed a box from the truck as the conversation began to take a normal lull. "What brings you to Harmony Falls?"

"Hoping to start my own practice. Something a bit more intimate than what I had down south."

"Really?" Ethan couldn't hold back his smile as he glanced over his shoulder at Mei. "Are you looking to take on new clients?"

"Eventually." He looked to Mei and noticed the way she dug her foot into the gravel, suddenly more timid than just a few short minutes ago. "Taking some time to settle in first."

"Well, let me help you unload, then maybe I can show you around town in a few days? Grab a drink once you're settled?"

"I'd like that."

Nathan watched Mei hover at the edge of their conversation, never interjecting, but always close enough to hear what was being said. She'd glanced at him perhaps twice, quick assessments before retreating. The cardigan had thumb holes she'd pushed her fingers through, using the fabric as a partial barrier.

Nathan lifted another box, his mind already cataloging details. The way she pulled at her collar when Ethan mentioned him taking on new clients, despite it already being in place. The way her body seemed to relax when Ethan mentioned going out for drinks that wouldn't include her.

"We should let you get back to it." Mei's finally said, apologetic. "Sorry for interrupting."

"Not at all," Nathan said, meeting her eyes just long enough to seem genuine without being invasive. "I'm grateful for good neighbors."

As they left, Nathan watched Ethan's hand find Mei's back, watched her body's involuntary response. He turned back to his moving boxes, but part of his mind had already started cataloging details, drawing conclusions, seeing patterns. She was so much like Grace. So much untapped potential, so… He shook his head, pushing the thought aside. Had he learned nothing from the Grace debacle?

***

Three days later, they found themselves in a place called Murphy’s, a brick building that looked like it had been standing since the city was founded. Classic rock hummed from the overhead speakers while the tattooed bartender, his arms nearly as thick as Nathan’s legs, listed off the beer options.

Nathan ran a hand through his salt-and-pepper hair, feeling slightly out of his element. He was more accustomed to soft jazz and a glass of wine older than he was. Still, something about Ethan, and more specifically Mei, had caught his attention. Maybe it was the chance to redeem himself after Grace. Or maybe it was because he had been so close to a revolutionary breakthrough with her that he knew this time he could get it right.

"Two IPAs," Ethan said, noticing the aggravated look the bartender was giving Nathan.

"Thanks. It's been a while since I've been to a place like this. It has… character.

"Right? Been here since the fifties. It was the first bar I went to when I turned twenty-one." The bartender slid two open bottles across the bar, and Ethan took a long drink. "God, I needed this. Rough week at work."

Ethan liked to talk, and Nathan was happy to let him. Everything from a marketing campaign he was working on going sideways, to his clients changing their mind every step of the way. Nathan stayed engaged the entire time. He asked questions, nodded at the right moment. They were basic techniques, but effective.

After ten minutes, Ethan's laughter faded. He rotated his beer, watching condensation slide down the sides.

"Can I ask you something? Professional question."

"Of course."

Ethan glanced around the bar, then back at his bottle. "How do you... I mean, when couples come to you, what's usually the... " He trailed off, took a drink.

Nathan waited. Let the silence work.

"Forget it. Stupid question."

"Ethan." Nathan's voice was gentle, calm. "Whatever you're thinking about asking, I've heard worse. I promise."

Ethan sucked on his bottom lip, his pulse spiking as he tried to act nonchalant. "Okay."

She's an incredible woman, ya know? Like, the love of my life." He took a large drink of his beer, trying to find the nerve to say the next part. "But, our sex life…"

He glanced around again, making sure no one was listening, then lowered his voice. "It's not that she doesn't... I mean, there are moments where I can tell she's enjoying it. The way she..." He caught himself, shook his head. "But then it's just gone. Like she shuts down."

"Gone how?"

"Just..." He rubbed the back of his neck. "Like she's holding back, ya know? Like she can't let herself get into it."

"Have you tried to talk to her about it?"

"Yeah, a few times." He slid closer to Nathan as the song playing faded out, not wanting anyone else to hear his conversation. "I even tried what you said in your book. About starting small and building up. But something as simple as making love with the lights on freaked her out." He started peeling the label of his IPA. "I mean, she went along with it, but every time I looked at her body, I could feel her tense."

"What was her sexual history before you two were married?"

"She came from a pretty strict upbringing. Her parents are first-generation immigrants from China, so sex was never discussed in their house." He looked around and saw an older, heavyset man a few seats down, looking over. He lowered his voice. I was her first real boyfriend. First kiss, all of it."

Nathan saw the paranoid look on Ethan's face and noticed his voice getting lower. As much as he liked to overshare with Nathan, it was clear he was getting uncomfortable having this conversation in such a public space. "What would you change. If you could?"

"I want her to feel free. To enjoy sex without the shame." Ethan picked at the beer label. "I just want her to be able to... She's just in her head the whole time."

"That's understandable."

Ethan was quiet for a moment. "I... I have a birthday coming up in a month."

Nathan waited.

"And I've always had this fantasy—" He stopped, laughed uncomfortably. "It's stupid."

"Ethan, there's no such thing as a stupid fantasy between a husband and wife."

Another pause. Ethan watched the label peel away from the bottle, wet with condensation. "I travel a lot for work. And I thought... I've always wanted to make a video. Of the two of us. Nothing crazy, just..." He trailed off. "You probably think I'm a pervert."

"I don't." He clapped his shoulder. "That's actually more common than you'd think."

"But, it just doesn't seem possible. I mean, she doesn't even want the lights on."

"I'm putting together an office in my house. Would Mei be willing to start seeing me there?"

Ethan leaned forward, his face lighting up. "You'd do that? You'd take her on as a patient?"

"If she was willing. But I need to be honest with you." Nathan finished the rest of his beer, then raised his hand at the bartender to signal he needed another. "My last patient. Things ended… poorly with her."

"You're talking about the Grace Hart trial."

Nathan flinched. He was hoping he'd be able to control the narrative, but it seemed Ethan was a big a fan as he'd said. "I am."

"Did she..." Ethan hesitated. "I mean, did anything actually happen between you two?"

"I spent two years helping Grace overcome severe trauma. She developed feelings—transference, it's called. When I maintained boundaries, she..." Nathan shook his head. "The accusations were her way of processing rejection."

"I'm sorry you had to go through that. From what I heard, she was pretty unhinged. You're worried Mei might turn out like that?"

"It's unlikely," Nathan replied, happy that Ethan wasn't one of those nut jobs who blamed him. "But I wanted to make sure you knew about it. To ensure there were no misconceptions."

"So… does that mean you'll do it? You'll see Mei?"

"If she agrees to it, absolutely." The new beer arrived, and Nathan took another drink. Maybe this atmosphere wasn't as bad as he thought. "But, I need you to understand that once I start seeing her, I can't discuss anything about her with you. It all becomes confidential."

"Yeah, of course," Ethan said, with more enthusiasm than expected. "I'll talk to Mei. Let her know that you want to see her."

They talked for another twenty minutes about Harmony Falls, about hiking trails, about nothing important. When they finally left, Ethan clapped Nathan on the shoulder.

"Thanks for listening, man. It helped just to talk."

Nathan stood in the parking lot after Ethan drove away, keys in hand, looking up at the clouds obscuring the stars. He wasn't sure how things with Mei would go, not without talking to her first. But he couldn't think that he was getting a second chance.

Nathan unlocked his Mercedes and headed back toward Maple Street, toward the house with the carefully arranged office and the neighbors who needed help.

This time would be different.

***

Two days later, Nathan watched through his office window as Mei and Ethan made their way up the long driveway. She wore a cream-colored dress that went to her ankle and was buttoned to her neck, despite the warmth of the late August sun. He ran his fingers through the scruff on his cheeks. He allowed himself a moment to wonder what she looked like under that dress. Would her body be as tight as Grace's? He dismissed the thought as quickly as it appeared, rushing to the door to greet his first client in this new life.

"Come in, please." He stepped aside, gesturing them into the office. "Make yourselves comfortable."

The space was designed for exactly this. He'd arranged two armchairs facing his own, positioned side by side for couples. The large windows allowed for great natural light and allowed the room to feel non-threatening.

Nathan took his seat across from them, notepad in hand but not yet writing. "Thank you both for coming. I know this can feel awkward at first."

"We appreciate you making time for us," Ethan said quickly. "Mei's been looking forward to this. Right, babe?"

Mei nodded, looking around the office. Her gaze drifted to his masters degree from the University of Florida that hung on the wall beside them. "Florida? Big party school. I'm shocked you found time to get any studying done."

Nathan nodded. She'd dodged Ethan's question entirely, using humor as a shield. "I had a good tutor."

"Looks like you got unpacked pretty quick. Are all of those awards yours?" She nodded to the shelf behind Nathan. The 'I love myself' shelf as why commonly referred to in his line of work was full of various awards and accommodations he'd gotten over the years.

"They are, yes. It turns out I'm very good at my job." He gave her a warm smile, and her eyes drifted to the floor. "Now, Mei." he powered on sensing the shift. "I want to start by asking you directly. Do you want to be here?"

She chewed on the inside of her lip. Her eyes flicked up to his for a brief second before dropping back to her lap. "Yes."

"Do you understand why Ethan arranged this?"

Another pause. Her thumb rubbed softly against the other. "Yes."

Ethan jumped in. "She's just nervous. She doesn't like talking about bedroom stuff. I thought—"

"Ethan." Nathan smiled warmly, his tone firm. "I'd like to hear from Mei. In her own words."

Ethan sat back, chastened.

Nathan waited. The silence filled the space between them, but he didn't rush to fill it. One of the first things therapists learned was to let the client break the quiet.

Finally, Mei spoke. "We're... I'm not very good at... at sex." Her cheeks flushed crimson. "Ethan wants me to be more comfortable with it."

Nathan made a note. She'd started by saying we then quickly shifted to I. She'd started to frame it as a shared problem, then shouldered the blame alone.

"What does good look like to you?"

She lifted her gaze for just a moment, studying Nathan like she was trying to decide if he was a friend or foe. "I don't know. More… active, I guess."

"When you're intimate with Ethan. Does it feel good? Do you ever initiate?"

Her fingers twisted together, and Nathan made a note. Even this was too much, too fast. "It…" she looked at Ethan, who seemed to be staring a hole into her. "Yes. I like it. But, I never start it."

"Every once in awhile I'll hear her moan and I know she likes it, but when I—"

Nathan held up his hand, noticing the way Mei seemed to be trying to crawl into herself. "I appreciate you wanting to support your wife. But for this to work, I need to hear from Mei in her own words. Can you let her speak for herself?"

"I… um… of course," Ethan said, sinking down into his chair a little and looking away.

The faintest smile pulled at Mei's lips. Just for a second. "He's not used to being told to be quiet."

Nathan smiled at Mei. Color tinted her cheeks. The smile disappeared just as quickly as it formed as she looked back to her feet.

"Mei, I think I can help you." Her gaze lifted. "You seem like a very confident person in social settings. But when we broach the topic of sex..." she sank down further into her chair. "You seem a little self-conscious. I think I can help with that. If you want me to, that is."

She nodded softly. "I do. I just... how does this work?" Her thumbs worked the holes of the cardigan. "Like, do we just sit here and... talk? Or is there going to be—" She glanced at Ethan the color in her cheeks growing darker. "Homework?"

"Very good question." Nathan kept his tone light. She was already overwhelmed and scared, he didn't want to make it worse. He leaned forward slightly. "Mostly, we're just going to talk. About your history, your feelings, what intimacy means to you. Nothing will happen that you don't want to happen. You're in control here."

She nodded again, this time with more conviction.

"What is it you're hoping to get out of these sessions?"

Mei blinked, the question catching her completely off guard. Nathan watched her work the question out in her head. He knew it was Ethan pushing for this, but it was important that she take ownership of it.

"I... I want to stop hearing my mother's voice." Her palms dug into her legs. "Every time Ethan touches me, I hear her. Telling me I'm being cheap. That nice girls don't..." She trailed off, shaking her head. "I just.. I don't want to be a disappointment."

Nathan nodded slowly, his expression warm. Understanding.

"That's a good goal," he said. "And an achievable one. But it's going to take a lot of work and honesty." He looked her over one last time. She still seemed uncomfortable, but her eye contact was more consistent than when they first started. "Can you do that? Can you commit to being honest with me, even when it's hard?"

Mei's hands finally loosened in her lap. She looked up, holding his gaze longer this time before dropping it again. "I'll try."

"That's great." Nathan turned to Ethan. "Our first official session will be tomorrow evening. Just Mei and me. Seven o'clock work?"

"Yes."

Ethan rose, extending his hand. "Thank you, Dr. Coleman. Really."

Nathan shook it, then turned to Mei. She'd stood as well, still not meeting his eyes. "I'll see you tomorrow, Mei."

"Okay."

As they left, Nathan closed the door and returned to his office, sitting in the chair Mei had occupied. It still held the faint warmth of her body, the ghost of her presence.

He picked up his notepad and reviewed what he'd written:

Conservative upbringing. Severe shame conditioning. High anxiety. Wants to change but paralyzed by fear. Responsive to validation. Eager to please. Husband well-meaning but oblivious to depth of issue.

Nathan set down the pen and leaned back, his mind already mapping the path ahead.

Three paths stretched out before him, each one a different answer to the same question: *Had he learned anything from Grace Hart?*

***

The Decision

PATH ONE: REDEMPTION

"Everything with Grace was a tragic mistake. This is my chance to do it right."

Nathan opened his eyes and looked at the notes again, but this time with different intentions.

He needed to do this right. It would be slow. Ethan's birthday deadline would come and go, and Mei might not be ready for the video he wanted. But that was okay. Real transformation couldn't be rushed, couldn't be imposed from the outside. It had to come from within.

Grace had taught him that lesson the hard way.

He'd been so focused on results with her, so eager to prove his methods revolutionary, that he'd pushed too hard, too fast. He'd crossed lines he'd rationalized as necessary, boundaries he'd convinced himself were artificial constraints on legitimate therapeutic work.

And Grace had shattered under the pressure.

This time would be different. This time, he'd put Mei's actual wellbeing ahead of his ego, ahead of his need to prove anything.

PATH TWO: CALCULATED RISK

"Things got out of hand with Grace, but that doesn't mean I have to abandon my most effective techniques entirely."

Nathan stood and walked to the window, looking out at the darkening sky over Harmony Falls.

The truth was, his methods worked. Hypnosis, guided visualization, accelerated intimacy-building techniques. These weren't manipulations, they were tools. Powerful tools that, when used correctly, could achieve in weeks what traditional therapy took years to accomplish.

Grace hadn't been a failure of the methods. She'd been a failure of his execution. He'd pushed too hard too fast. But he'd learned from that.

Ethan's deadline wasn't arbitrary. In one month, he wanted to a video of him and his wife. That meant Mei needed to overcome decades of conditioning in thirty days.

Traditional talk therapy wouldn't get them there. But hypnosis could.

He could use hypnosis to help Mei relax during their sessions, to access memories and feelings she normally kept locked away. He could plant suggestions that reinforced her own stated goals. Sure, things may get a little unconventional, but it was the quickest path to success for Mei and Ethan.

It was a middle path. Not pure redemption, but not reckless either. He'd be more careful this time. More controlled. He'd use the techniques that worked while avoiding the pitfalls that had destroyed Grace.

PATH THREE: VINDICATION

"I was on the verge of a scientific breakthrough with Grace, then she ruined everything. Mei is stronger. This time, I'll prove my theories correct."

Nathan returned to his desk and sat down, a different energy coursing through him now.

Grace had been weak. Mentally fragile, emotionally unstable, prone to obsession even before he'd started working with her. Her breakdown wasn't caused by his work, it was an inevitable result of her own instability.

But Mei was different.

He could see it in the way she held herself together despite the anxiety. The way she'd managed to function in a marriage for three years despite crushing shame.

Grace had broken because she was already cracked. Mei wouldn't.

Which meant Nathan could finally prove what he'd always known: that his methods were revolutionary. That deep hypnotic conditioning could transform someone completely, unlock potential they didn't even know they had, reshape a person's entire relationship with their sexuality and their body.

Ethan wanted a sex tape of him and his wife? He'd get a lot more than just that.

This time, he'd be smarter. More careful about covering his tracks. He'd ensure Mei had no memory of the sessions' deeper elements, no conscious awareness of how thoroughly he was reshaping her responses. Ethan would be thrilled with the results and never question the process.

And Nathan would finally have his vindication.