Role: Helen

Seeing Anna’s name immediately brings you back to the moment when you first discovered the messages. The reaction feels almost instantaneous. You are angry, but underneath the anger you are frightened and suddenly feel as though you are back at the beginning again.

You do not actually think that reading the message will make you feel much better. Part of you wants to see it because checking feels safer than trusting, but what you really want is for Mark to understand why something apparently small can affect you so strongly. You would like reassurance that he recognises the impact of what happened and is not irritated with you for still reacting to it.

Do not explain all of this immediately. Allow the therapist to help you identify and express what is happening.

When the role-play is over, click here for the Debrief.