The chair sign

I have noticed in the past that if I do not remain visibly near my consulting room door when I call patients they go astray with regular monotony. I have even observed one patient stand up, turn 180 degrees, and head out of the building. By way of welcoming in new patients I ask them “to come and take a seat.”

I was therefore a little taken aback a year ago when one patient proceeded quite casually to sit in my seat (a rather comfortable swivel chair) and explain what he had come to see me for. The patient had a flat affect and a history of psychosis so I conducted the rest of the …