Sylvia's Phonophobia...

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Sylvia is one of the brightest student in the school; she has been the pride of the college from her first day she arrived at the school. Everyone loves Sylvia because she helps people whenever she can; she also made provision to tutor the younger students. The attention she gives to her academics is outstanding, and most times her colleagues have to push her to socialize every now and then, sometimes she agrees and most times she doesn't. Sylvia is a very personal person, she does not keep friends around, she keeps to herself and she does not confide in anyone. Other than the time she spends in the school, she does not spare her private time for anything social. She does not stay with the crowd, she hates a crowded environment.

This kind of attitude can only mean a scar from the past, the school counselor thought. She tried to get close to Sylvia, she wanted to be friends with her but Sylvia needed no friends. She thought getting close to Sylvia would help her but Sylvia would not let her. This was a major concern for the counselor who knew that Sylvia’s situation would hinder her from having happiness and reaching for her goals. But the counselor never gave up on Sylvia, she was always nice to Sylvia and she did everything she could to show Sylvia that she really cared for her.

Then one faithful afternoon, the pupils Sylvia had been teaching decided to do a surprise party just to thank her for her efforts in tutoring them. As Sylvia walked into the class where they were, they popped the balloon and they were screaming happily. In her shock, Sylvia screamed and then fainted on the spot. The students were surprised and scared at the same time. In their panic, they rushed her to the university clinic. After staying in clinic for a while, she was getting better and soon she was discharged. The clinic concluded that Sylvia had phonophobia, the fear of sound based on the situation surrounding her collapse.

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After this incident, she was invited by the school counselor because it was obvious Sylvia was passing through something she is not willing to tell anyone. The counselor felt sorry for Sylvia and pleaded with her to open up, this is the only way help can be provided for her. After much persuasion, Sylvia decided to share her story with the counselor after she promised Sylvia she would not to tell anyone.

When Sylvia was 5 years old, she stayed with her parents in a rough neighborhood. The police were frequently visiting the neighborhood but it was not enough to keep crime away. Crime was on the high rate and Sylvia's dad was saving to relocate his family away from the neighborhood. One day, two men came to their house to steal. They gathered Sylvia and her parents to the living room. They wore a mask like a doll, and their voice was terrifying. Sylvia's dad had nothing to give them but they thought he was lying, so they shot him. The little girl watched as they had their way with her mother before killing her too. They grabbed her and other belongings they could find in the house, as they were leaving the police arrived at the scene and they had to leave the girl behind to save themselves. The police caught the thieves but the scar they had given this young girl was beyond her capacity to bear and it would be with her as long as she would have it.

This was just one of the stories behind Sylvia's attitude around people, and her fear of sudden sound, it reminded her of gun shot. She hates dolls because it brings back the memories of her childhood. The trauma caused by remembering this incident had left Sylvia in the past. Now the counselor understood where she was coming from, and why she had been distant from people. She thought keeping herself from people would protect her from what she feared.

Sylvia would need to overcome her fear in other to have a good and peaceful life. She was booked for therapy sessions with the counselor, they had engaging sessions too and lots of private time. It was in one of the private sessions the counselor discovered Sylvia had nightmares and it's been like that for long. The worst fear Sylvia had was opening up to someone, this fear had held her captive since the incident. Despite attempt by several professionals who were invited to speak with her, she refused to speak up. Hence, embracing her fear.

It took a long time for Sylvia to tell the counselor some more about herself because she needed time to be familiar with the counselor and of course trust her. With time, they soon became close friends and it was easy for the counselor to relate and help Sylvia the best way she could. Sylvia now trust the counselor and shared some more of her fears with her and the more she shared the better the counselor was able to help.

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