Since childhood, I’ve harbored an irrational fear of something lurking under my bed at night. No matter how many times I checked, how many nights passed without incident, or how much my parents reassured me, the thought of a mysterious presence hiding in the darkness beneath my mattress sent chills down my spine. It was a fear I couldn’t shake, so I decided to seek professional help.
Determined to confront my fears, I scheduled an appointment with a psychiatrist. In his cozy office, I shared how I would lie awake at night, unable to sleep due to the terrifying thought of something hiding just inches away. The psychiatrist listened attentively, nodding occasionally, and offered a reassuring smile.
“Well,” he said, “you’ve come to the right place. Just put yourself in my hands for one year. Come see me three times a week, and
