The Psychologist Episode 23 Recap
> The Psychologist Recap
Miss Wen greeted Mrs. Zhao, He Dun's mother, offering her tea and asking why she sought psychological counseling. Mrs. Zhao, after taking a moment and another cup of water, revealed a long-held knot in her heart. She explained that she felt responsible for the accidental death of her younger brother, Junjun, who died at the age of eight. She recounted the story "as if it were her own experience", but it was actually "He Dun's childhood trauma".
At 13, He Dun had an argument with Junjun, slammed the door, and left. Junjun followed her, calling out that no one liked her anymore. As he pursued her, he fell down a mountain and into a river. Although unable to swim, He Dun jumped in to save him but hit a rock and lost consciousness. Her own mother (Mrs. Zhao) then jumped in and saved He Dun first, but Junjun never woke up.
Mrs. Zhao tearfully described vividly remembering Junjun in the water, reaching out and crying "Help me, Sis." She questioned if she (He Dun) was the murderer and if things would have been different had her (He Dun's) mother saved Junjun first. Miss Wen acknowledged the deep regret and powerlessness Mrs. Zhao expressed.
As Miss Wen helped Mrs. Zhao to calm down, assuring her she was safe in the comfortable counseling room and not in the river, Mrs. Zhao confirmed the enduring impact of the trauma. She explained that she (He Dun) still had recurring nightmares where Junjun called out to her, leaving her terrified upon waking. She also developed a severe phobia of enclosed spaces, where she felt suffocated as if she were drowning.
Mrs. Zhao stated these symptoms began a few months after Junjun's death and have persisted for over 40 years. She clarified that in those days, psychological counselors were nonexistent, and she only found the courage to seek help now because her daughter (He Dun) had urged her to.
Handing Mrs. Zhao some tissues, Miss Wen made a preliminary diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) for Mrs. Zhao, explaining it as a series of symptoms arising after experiencing or witnessing life-threatening traumatic events. She assured Mrs. Zhao that PTSD is treatable, outlining a gradual process involving three initial sessions before discussing specific treatments. Miss Wen clarified that she does not prescribe medication but would offer recommendations for hospitals if drug therapy was necessary.
She explained that due to the long-standing nature of the symptoms and Mrs. Zhao's older age, the recommended prolonged exposure therapy could take about three years. Hearing this, Mrs. Zhao despaired, believing she might not have that much time left. After dinner at Professor Ji's, Qian Kaiyi took He Dun to Wenchang Street. The neighbors welcomed He Dun warmly, praising her beauty and noting her compatibility with Qian Kaiyi, even calling them a "perfect match."
When asked about her profession, He Dun identified herself as a psychological counselor, which Qian Kaiyi elaborated on, explaining that she helps people who are feeling unhappy. The neighbors expressed their enjoyment of her radio program. When Ye Jiahui arrived, Qian Kaiyi introduced him as a friend. To allow He Dun and Qian Kaiyi more time together, the neighbors discreetly redirected Ye Jiahui to the kitchen to help the aunties with cooking.
Meanwhile, Tang Lili returned to the supermarket run by her mother. She informed her mother about her breakup, having been deceived, and that the store might need to be returned to Fang Zhongyi (her ex-boyfriend). Though Tang Lili's mother, who valued money greatly, felt distressed, she didn't blame her daughter and instead encouraged her.
Tang Lili then revealed that she had already paid Fang Zhongyi for the store using her own savings, ensuring they could now run the shop with peace of mind. Her mother, initially concerned about Tang Lili sacrificing her "dowry," ultimately embraced the idea of them running the store together. Back on Wenchang Street, Ye Jiahui quickly impressed the aunties with his culinary skills in the kitchen, even sparking suggestions from them to set him up with a girlfriend.
Later, he joined the uncles for a game of chess, helping them secure their first win of the year and earning their praise as a talented young man. Later that evening, Qian Kaiyi gathered the children to play games and invited Ye Jiahui to join. Ye Jiahui remarked on the unfamiliar warmth and lively atmosphere of the street.
He expressed surprise that Qian Kaiyi didn't seem like someone who had lost both parents, to which Qian Kaiyi responded that he had learned to move forward and live in the present, deeply appreciating how the neighbors had cared for him like their own son. Ye Jiahui then received a phone call from his father and excused himself, thanking Qian Kaiyi before departing. As He Dun approached, Qian Kaiyi dismissed the children.
He told her about the radio station's new "Bridge of Hearts" initiative for their Night Talk to Your Heart program, designed to connect financially struggling listeners with professional counselors offering low-cost services. He Dun found it very meaningful and offered to participate as a counselor, prompting Qian Kaiyi to call her their "ace psychological counselor." They reflected on their shared goal of helping more people.
He Dun observed that Qian Kaiyi seemed more like an adult on Wenchang Street than in other settings. Qian Kaiyi playfully asked if she preferred him as a child or an adult. He Dun replied she didn't dislike either, which Qian Kaiyi interpreted as a sign of affection. They then enjoyed lighting hand-held fireworks, a novel experience for He Dun, which Qian Kaiyi enthusiastically celebrated.
As the night deepened, Qian Kaiyi subtly leaned in, seemingly intending to kiss He Dun, but she, having eaten too much, suddenly threw up, accidentally getting some on his face. Despite his blindness, Qian Kaiyi immediately reacted, patting her back. Mortified, He Dun covered her face and ran away. Meanwhile, Ye Jiahui played football with his father, Ye Jicheng. Jiahui mentioned making interesting friends and wanting to explore a different path, possibly including finding a girlfriend.
Ye Jicheng cautioned him against getting distracted or addicted to games, reminding him to focus on obtaining the "F file." Later, Ye Jicheng showed Jiahui a letter he found from Jiahui’s mother, who had left them 25 years ago. Jiahui insisted on hearing it, despite his father's initial hesitation.
Ye Jicheng read the letter aloud, in which Jiahui's mother confessed that abandoning them was a lifelong regret, but she had chosen to leave to confront her illness on her own terms. She entrusted Jiahui to Ye Jicheng's care, asking him to provide a stable life for their son and imploring them not to search for her. After finishing the letter, Ye Jicheng quietly blamed Professor Ji, believing his mother's current state was due to him.
Later, He Dun sought supervision from Miss Wen regarding a client whose behavior had become erratic. She described how the client, who initially presented as depressed and isolated after rejecting others, abruptly became aggressive in their third session, proudly stating that people now feared him. This escalated to a public altercation, leading to the client's confidential counseling information being leaked and him becoming a target of ridicule, known by the nickname "Moyu."
The client then blamed He Dun for his misfortunes and sought revenge. He Dun adamantly denied leaking any information, emphasizing her professional integrity. Miss Wen acknowledged the baffling nature of the client's sudden shift, suggesting that some crucial information might be missing. He Dun, admitting to feeling both fear and hurt, confessed her ambivalence about continuing to work with him but still expressed a desire to help.
Miss Wen validated her feelings as normal and reiterated the likelihood of an external factor causing the client's drastic change. He Dun then wondered if a third party or external events had intervened in their counseling relationship.
