DATE : 07/02/2025
Session Type :indivisual,in-office
Patient : male,34 years old, single
The patient entered five minutes late. Before sitting, he paused near the door. He inhaled sharply—twice. His nostrils flared as if testing the air. “Do you smell moisture in here?” he asked. Respiration was shallow and uneven—short inhales, prolonged exhales. Shoulders slightly elevated. He avoided leaning back into the chair and remained angled forward throughout the first fifteen minutes. Symptom onset: Three weeks prior. Initially confined to his apartment. Gradually extended to his car and workplace. Currently most intense in quiet environments, particularly at night. Patient’s description of the odor: “Old plaster after rain. Not exactly mold… more like a closed basement that hasn’t been opened in years.” He insists others cannot smell it. No visible water damage reported in residence. No neurological history.
therapist notes
At minute 18, the patient stopped mid-sentence. His head tilted slightly left. Silence. His breathing slowed—then sharpened. He whispered: “It’s stronger now.” No environmental change detected. No noticeable odor present in room. At minute 27, perspiration visible at the temples. He wiped his palms against his trousers repeatedly. When asked what the smell makes him feel, he did not answer directly. Instead, he said: “It feels close.” He then clarified: “Not the smell… something behind it.” Voice volume dropped significantly during this statement. At minute 41, patient reported that at night the odor seems to “move.” Specifically, he stated: “It’s never in the same corner twice.” No hallucinations reported. No visual disturbances. Sleep mildly disrupted.
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therapist s margin notes
After the patient left, the odor intensified.
Not gradually.
Immediately.
It originated near the lower left corner of the room.
I crouched and examined the baseboard.
Dry. Intact.
When I stood again, the smell was gone.
At 9:47 PM that night, while reviewing session notes at home, I paused.
The same scent.
Faint.
Behind me.
There are no damp walls in my apartment.
Next session scheduled in four days.
If the odor appears again in my office, environmental inspection will be necessary.
If it appears elsewhere—
I will document location.
