Doctor's appointment.

As she entered the clinic, she noticed the calming ambience, filled with pastel colours and cosy furniture. Feeling increasingly anxious, she decided to take a seat in the waiting area. After a few moments passed, she heard the door open and closed. A female voice greeted her: "Ms. Day?"Dr. Stern emerged from the hallway wearing a compassionate expression. She gestured for Sharon to follow her into her office. Once seated, Dr. Stern offered a sympathetic smile. "How can I help you today, Ms. Day? " Sharon took a gulp and then told her that she needed help with the nightmares she had been having. The therapist nodded understandingly and asked what these dreams involved exactly." Sharon hesitated momentarily before explaining, "They always involve me being back in my office but powerless as my rival, Helen, takes control over my company and humiliates me sexually". As tears formed in her eyes, Dr. Stern handed her a box of tissues which she gratefully accepted. Intrigued, Dr. Stern continued probing further; asking how often these dreams occurred and if there were any triggers that might have caused them to begin. Sharon paused once more before answering, stating she wasn't entirely sure why they started happening so suddenly, though perhaps the pressure from work was taking its toll. The therapist nodded thoughtfully, recognizing the strain such responsibilities could place upon one's psyche. With gentle empathy, she suggested, "We will explore the subconscious causes behind your dreams and learn ways to defuse their hold on you during our sessions together."

Sharon felt comforted by Dr Stern's reassuring tone, despite still feeling ****. "Can you describe your relationship with Helen prior to these nightmares? ", enquired Dr. Stern gently. Pondering, Sharon spoke slowly, recalling their encounters both personal and professional. "Helen has always been my fiercest competition. We respect each other's achievements, however sometimes feel threatened when the other surpasses us," confessed Sharon earnestly. . After listening intently, Dr. Stern understood that there may be unresolved issues beneath the surface, leading to these intrusive sexual nightmares involving Sharon’s archrival, Helen. She proposed that exploring these suppressed feelings would potentially lead to finding peace within herself. Sharon asked Dr Stern what she could do to stop these nightmares. Sharon, have you ever considered acting on these nightmares in your awake hours? Dr. Stern delicately questioned with her head slightly angled to show curiosity. Sharon raised an eyebrow, surprised by this suggestion. "Perhaps it's time to confront these forbidden yearnings directly. By exploring and embracing them, instead of merely running away from them, maybe you could gain some control over your nightmares – and even use them positively." Surprised by Dr. Stern's bold proposal, Sharon blushed deeply, stunned by her courageous idea. The prospect of facing this newfound desire alongside her adversary seemed thrilling but terrifying simultaneously.

Sharon's role reversal could really help you I think. However, I would suggest you start with your PA rather than Helen. It wouldn't make sense starting off with someone like Helen right away since she represents the threat towards your career and authority" said Dr. Stern while adjusting her glasses carefully, wanting to give sound advice. The mention of the PA caught Sharon off guard, as she hadn't considered the possibility of indulging her dark desires through someone else close to her heart. Still contemplative, she agreed to give it a try under the guidance of Dr. Stern. "That sounds promising, but let's start gradually and build up trust first", cautioned Dr. Stern, displaying concern for Sharon's well-being. Nodding in agreement, Sharon realized she should proceed cautiously into this journey. "Very wise," she replied appreciatively. They made plans for several subsequent appointments where Sharon would report her experiences after attempting to act on her suppressed desires, thereby facilitating therapeutic progress. Sharon then asked Dr Stern how she should broach the subject with Karen. The therapist advised her to approach it casually and gauge Karen's reaction first. If all went smoothly, she could propose expanding their boundaries little by little until eventually reaching her ultimate goal. Maybe you could start by asking Karen what she thought of powerful women submitting to their subordinates. You could then see how receptive Karen was. It could also give you insights about whether she shares similar fantasies or not.

That way, you know whether she'd be interested in extending the existing dynamics beyond the usual professional roles or if she prefers to maintain them strictly formal." Sharon smiled, grateful for Dr. Stern's practical suggestions. Sharon called Karen and told her she was taking the rest of the day off. On returning home later that evening, Sharon began considering Dr. Stern's advice. She mulled over how to tactfully initiate this conversation with Karen without alarming her too much. To test the waters, she found a recent newspaper article referring to a powerful woman who had submitted to her maid. She would go in early before Karen arrived and leave it on her desk. Then, Karen would come across it and likely bring it up in conversation. Hopeful, Sharon prepared mentally for this turning point in her life, trying to reconcile her fears and excitement. This could either catastrophically implode, sending shockwaves throughout her professional sphere or, possibly, offer liberation and gratification... But most importantly, the future held answers to questions that had haunted her sleep for months now. Sharon headed off to bed but tonight for some reason she had no nightmares. This unexpected respite gave her hope that perhaps something was shifting inside her subconscious.