God's Therapist

Without warning the world of Arthur Martindale a successful psychologist implodes. Haunted by the death of his wife Sandy in a tragic accident and the suicide of his seductive Borderline Personality patient Katherine Simmons Martindale identifies with the Biblical Job asking: Why me God? Several weeks after the two tragedies Dianne a lovely and enchanting cardiologist enters Martindales life. Though wracked with guilt that he is betraying his wifes memory he is strongly attracted to this beguiling woman. Martindales personal problems are soon compounded by professional dilemmas when an enigmatic physician appears requesting therapy fro depression. Over a half-century ago Dr. Johannes Van DerKirk survived the brutal Nazi occupation of his native Holland. But the Dutchman has paid a high price for survival-loss of faith in God and humanity. When Martindale learns that his new patient was Katherines physician he becomes suspicious that Van DerKirks primary motive for seeking therapy might be nothing more than a smokescreen for investigating Martindales role in Katherines suicide. During therapy Van DerKirk laments that given the brutal history of the 20th Century even God might be depressed with the state of humanity. In an insightful moment to uncover the mystery of Van DerKirks despair Martindale proposes they explore the provocative premise by role-playing God on the psychoanalytical couch. Van DerKIrk will play God and Martindale will be the therapist Gods Therapist. Already under scrutiny by his licensing board because of Ms. Simmons suicide Martindale is aware that hes going out on the therapeutic limb treating his troubled patient with an unconventional intervention. Despite his misgivings he is prepared to place his trust in the therapeutic process. He faces the twin challenges of healing his patient while reconstructing is shattered personal life.