Page 30 of Girl Betrayed

“In my experience labeling a disorder such as this can exacerbate the symptoms.”

Dana nodded. She was familiar with the phenomenon: interpersonal expectancy effect, more commonly known as a self-fulfilling prophecy; whereby initially unfounded expectations led to the fulfillment of those expectations.

Believing you will do poorly on an exam and then failing the test, was a typical example. Letting one’s beliefs influence their behavior and performances, contributing to the expected outcome could be harmful. Especially if the person's expected behavior serves to bring about destructive mental health issues.

“Do you believe Claire can still advocate for herself?” Dana asked.

“Yes. Her triggers can be managed, and she only exhibits dissociative identities while under hypnosis.”

“Then why don’t we let Claire decide if she wants to continue seeing you.”

“I’m comfortable with that, so long as you agree to help her continue treatment elsewhere in the event she chooses not to stay with me.”

Dana agreed. “So where do we go from here?”

“I’d like to see Claire again tomorrow. Due to the fire, we’ll be unable to return to Passages for quite some time. While the police continue their investigation, I’ve arranged a space at St. Ann’s. I’ll be holding group meetings there twice a week for all my patients who’ve been displaced by these unfortunate events.”

Dr. Dvita took a business card out of his wallet and scribbled an address and time on the back before handing it to Dana. “I think Claire would benefit from being able to discuss the eventsthat took place at Passages with peers who understand what she’s truly going through.”

“I’ll make sure to pass the invitation to Claire.”

“Thank you.” Dr. Dvita stood and shook Dana’s hand. He was halfway to the door when Dana thought of something.

“What about Meredith?”

He turned to face her. “What about Miss Kincaid?”

“You said you thought Claire could benefit from seeing how far Meredith had come in her recovery, but you said something changed your mind.”

“Not something, someone.” Dr. Dvita released a long exhale. “I don’t want to speak ill of the dead, but I’m glad Congressman Hayes is no longer spreading his poison in the world.”

“What do you mean?”

“Do you know what the termprimaryrefers to in my profession, Dr. Gray?”

“Yes, the influencer.”

“Correct. Congressman Hayes was one of the most gifted influencers I’ve ever come across. The trouble was, he didn’t use his persuasion for good.”

“Why was he at Passages?”

“I wish I could say more, but deceased or not, he’s still my patient and protected under privileged confidentiality.”

“Do you think he was trying to influence Claire?”

“I’m not sure, but I’d like to find out. It’s why I’d like to continue seeing her.”

“And Meredith? Did he try to influence her?”

“You’d have to ask her.”

“I will,” Dana challenged.

“I’m sure you will.” He turned to leave but Dana wasn’t finished with her questions.

“One more thing. Do you think it’s odd Claire is so concerned with Max?”

He gave a tired smile. “I wouldn’t use the term odd. It’s quite common for patients like Claire to get attached to the people who treat them kindly. In Claire’s case I would find itoddif she didn’t seek out someone to connect with.”

---