The Analyst
Copyright© 2025 by R. E. Bounds
Chapter 24: Bound by Routine
In the week that followed, Becca and I fell into a seamless routine, one defined by an intricate dance of daily life and restraint. The only moments when she wasn’t bound were those when we were apart—whether I was at work or we were briefly separated. Yet, during our time together, Becca appeared content and remarkably adjusted. Her demeanor reflected a sense of peace, and her anxiety was well-managed as she moved gracefully through her days.
The restraints, once a symbol of her struggle, had become a part of her rhythm, merging effortlessly with our shared routines and contributing to her overall well-being. The ease with which she navigated this new normal was a testament to the effectiveness of her coping strategies and the stability they brought to her life.
Meanwhile, Becca’s project surged forward with an impressive speed, surpassing even the expectations of Veronica and Eleanor. Becca found herself immersed in constant communication with both women, juggling phone calls and video conferences daily.
After presenting their exhibit vision to Eleanor, Becca and Veronica received enthusiastic approval, with Eleanor giving them the green light to proceed. Becca’s role quickly became a whirlwind of coordination with Veronica, managing everything from identifying and reaching out to women whose stories would be featured to securing their consent and arranging interviews and photo shoots.
Veronica proved to be an invaluable ally, and her extensive network and expertise offered solutions to every idea Becca proposed. Regardless of how intricate Becca’s ideas became, Veronica had a resource or contact that could make them a reality. As Becca was introduced to each new collaborator, she was steadily building her own remarkable network of talented individuals from around the world.
To celebrate the milestone of getting Eleanor’s blessing to move forward with her creative design, we had a late lunch at a place we always wanted to try that was near the therapist’s office. We enjoyed the eclectic atmosphere, food, and each other’s company.
Becca chose one of her grandmother’s more constricting wiggle dresses, a design clearly intended to impress onlookers rather than offer comfort. She complemented the dress with a matching coat, sheer nude hosiery, and her ‘So Kate’ heels. Each element of her outfit was carefully selected, with Becca insisting that the heels completed the ensemble perfectly.
She wore the hinged handcuffs from our apartment to the restaurant, but I didn’t put them back on for the drive to the therapist’s office. I could see the disappointment on Becca’s face as we discussed how the therapist had approved her attending sessions in restraints.
Being the last appointment of the day, the parking lot was empty, and I parked close to the side entrance at the end of the lot. I opened Becca’s door, and as she got out, I held out my hand. Smiling, she gave me the hinged handcuffs and turned around, placing her hands behind her back. Gently, I turned her to face me and secured the cuffs, double-locking them, which took her by surprise.
I then reached into the back seat and pulled out the metal-angled lockbox, placing it over the cuffs. Becca’s smile widened as she bit her lip, holding her hands upward, knowing I’d be wrapping the corresponding chain around her waist. Once her hands were tightly secured, I padlocked the loose chain in the back, ensuring she couldn’t escape, even with the keys.
Closing her coat, she commented, “This isn’t the right coat for this,” she said. “It doesn’t conceal these.” She then pulled her hands forward, showing how little movement she had.
“We don’t need to hide them,” I told her reassuringly. “You’ll be okay in them until they’re taken off.” Emphasizing that they would be staying on.
Handing her back her purse, we walked into the building. Arriving a little early, we settled into adjoining chairs in the waiting area. I unbuttoned Becca’s coat, revealing her body-hugging dress accentuated by the chain belt that kept her handcuffed wrists securely at her waist.
As the therapist emerged from her office and walked towards us, we stood up. Becca leaned forward slightly to stand, settling into the posture she had grown accustomed to when her wrists were resting against her body. The therapist glanced at Becca’s restrained hands, offered a warm smile, and, maintaining the same calm demeanor as last week, invited us to follow her into her office.
We both took our seats as the therapist settled into her chair. “I was going to suggest you take off your coat,” she said to Becca with a gentle smile, “but it seems like you’ll be staying in it,” clearly referencing the restraints.
Becca smiled and said, “Yes, I’ll be keeping it on.”
The therapist started the session with a thoughtful question. “How did last week go? How was your anxiety, and how did you manage it?”
We explained that Becca’s anxiety had significantly decreased over the past week compared to earlier weeks. The new routine we had established seemed to be effectively reducing her stress.
The therapist nodded approvingly. “Good. And by routine, you mean the clothes and—those?” She gently gestured to Becca’s cuffed wrists.
Becca nodded in response and said, “Yes, the clothes. And these.” As she slightly gestured, her movements inadvertently demonstrated just how secure her hands were.
The therapist observed the restraints with a thoughtful look and commented, “They seem very secure. They resemble something you’d see in law enforcement.”
Becca nodded again and replied, “They are. They’re real. I couldn’t get out of these by myself even if I had the key.”
“How do you feel about their physical aspect? Do you find that they impact your sense of security and comfort, or do they contribute to your routine in a way that helps manage your anxiety?”
Becca, pausing to collect her thoughts, responded, “I guess it’s a bit of both. The restraints are definitely restrictive, but they also give me a sense of structure and control. It’s like they help create boundaries that make it easier to manage my anxiety. It’s strange, but I feel safe in a way that I didn’t before.”
“And by before, you mean the clothes?” the therapist asked.
“Yeah, the clothes,” Becca said. “I still like them and want to wear them, but ... they don’t give me the same feeling of security that these do. The clothes give me comfort, but they don’t seem to have the same grounding effect.”
The therapist considered this for a moment before responding. “So, the restraints play a significant role in helping you manage your anxiety and feel secure. But you mentioned it’s a bit of both. How do you balance this with the need for comfort and practicality in your daily life?”
Becca took a deep breath and said, “I wear them at home—where I know I’m safe—and because they’re not acceptable in public, even when I need the reassurance they provide. It’s about finding a middle ground—using them to feel secure while also being mindful of when they might be inappropriate.”
The therapist nodded thoughtfully. “So, you’re using them in a way that fits circumstances rather than applying them all the time.”
“Yes,” Becca agreed, nodding. “They’re most effective when I know I can’t get out of them. That’s when I feel the most secure.”
The therapist nodded, noting, “That speaks to the control aspect. You mentioned earlier that the restraints help create boundaries that make it easier to manage your anxiety.”
She paused thoughtfully before continuing, “So, right now, they are effective?” she pointed to Becca’s restrained hands. “You said that even with the keys, you couldn’t get out of them.”
“Yeah. That’s right. I can’t get out of these,” Becca said, looking down at her hands. “This metal box covers the handcuff keyholes, and the chain holds the box to my waist. There’s a padlock in the back that keeps the chain securely in place.”
She demonstrated by moving her hands to the side to reach the padlock. As she moved them, the chain shifted, keeping the padlock at a fixed distance. “This is more calming than if I were just in handcuffs and could easily take them off if I had the key,” she explained.
The therapist observed Becca’s demonstration with a thoughtful expression. “It seems that the physical restraint, combined with the inability to remove them, reinforces that sense of control and stability you’re seeking.”
She continued, “Psychologically, this relates to ‘containment,’ where a structured boundary provides stability and predictability. The fact that you can’t remove those on your own creates a controlled environment, which helps manage your anxiety. This external control and predictability can be very calming for those with heightened anxiety or stress.”
Becca’s expression softened as she listened, her eyes reflecting realization and affirmation. She nodded subtly, indicating that the concept of containment resonated with her, and her posture relaxed slightly as she processed the therapist’s insights.
The therapist then asked, “This sense of containment often extends into intimate settings. Have you experienced any specific thoughts or desires when in those?”
Becca glanced at me, then at her restrained hands, her face flushing with embarrassment. Noticing her discomfort, the therapist offered reassurance, saying, “This is a safe space, and you don’t have to discuss anything you’re not comfortable with. However, since your experiences with those impact aspects of your life, it’s important to consider how they might also affect your most personal moments. Sharing these experiences can provide valuable insights into your overall well-being.”
Becca nodded, acknowledging the therapist’s reassurance but still appearing uneasy. The therapist then gently rephrased the question: “What if I asked the same question, but in the context of the clothes—that stunning dress, hosiery, and those gorgeous heels? Have you noticed any changes in your feelings or desires in intimate situations related to how you feel in these outfits?”
“Yes, of course,” Becca replied. “They make me feel sexy and desired—They make me feel pretty. But they also make me feel confident.”
The therapist then gently rephrased the question, “Okay. Now, what if we apply the same idea to those? Have you experienced any feelings or desires about intimacy related to how they make you feel?”
Becca hesitated, then replied, “Yes. They add an extra layer of intensity and control and make me feel more connected to those feelings of being wanted and cared for.”
Listening to Becca, the therapist asked, “So it sounds like you’ve both explored how they affect your intimacy?”
I gently caressed Becca’s arm, nodding as she responded softly, “Yes.”
The therapist observed us and said, “It seems like you’re both in agreement about how they impact your feelings and experiences.”
We nodded, exchanging a smile that conveyed mutual understanding and support. The warmth between us was evident.
The therapist closed her book and placed it on a small table beside her chair. Leaning back, she said, “I’ve seen many patients in my practice, and many struggle with anxiety. It can be debilitating.”
She paused before continuing, “I tell them that anxiety doesn’t go away entirely but can be managed effectively through therapy, where I help them find coping strategies. However, many suffer because they lack the necessary emotional support and understanding from those close to them.”
Looking at Becca, she added, “You’ve developed a coping mechanism that works for both of you. You have a dedicated support system here, and while I can refer you to a psychiatrist for medication if you want, it’s important to understand that there’s nothing wrong with how you are managing your anxiety.”
Becca looked up at the therapist, her eyes reflecting relief and uncertainty. “So, there’s nothing wrong with me? There’s nothing wrong with this?” she asked, gently emphasizing her handcuffed wrists.
The therapist smiled reassuringly. “No, you do experience anxiety, but that’s common. What sets you apart is that you have a safe and nurturing support system helping you navigate it. If wearing those clothes and restraints provides you with the comfort and stability you need. It’s perfectly okay to continue using them.”
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