The therapist doesn't hesitate as he reaches for one of other's much larger hands, holding it in both of his as he shakes his head.

"Stop, Max. Don't talk like that. There won't be anymore steps back. The time to move forward is now and that's where this is going to go; forward," he said firmly, squeezing the other's hand to stress his point.

He hadn't given you enough focus in the past, Max, but that's going to change now. You're high priority for him.

"We'll find a pace that works for you and move at that pace. I don't care how long it takes though because I'm not going anywhere. I promised to help you, back when you started your sessions with me, and that hasn't changed now."