I would welcome suggestions on how to handle my latest dilemma:

Early this morning Maureen sought assurances that I had been in bed with her.  She knew a man had been in her bed but didn’t know who he was.  She said she was afraid to move in case he attacked her.

An hour or two later she appeared downstairs scared out of her wits.  She had a vision of a man in the loft about to open the trap door, and join her in bed.  Despite my reassurances she spent some time seeking explanations for what she had seen; searching the house to see where the man had gone. Eventually, she gave up her search saying: ‘I must be going mad’.  Those who know Maureen know where this fear of men originates: it would not be kind to remind her of ghosts from the past.  The initial advice I have had is that it is too for Maureen to have therapy about her fear of men.  However,  I intend to consult professional staff once again on this matter.

My problem is if I join her for an early night I am often up an about early in the morning, leaving Maureen to sleep on.  When I delay going to bed my entrance into the bedroom sparks fear, and often leads to screaming.  It also seems that if she wakes in the night she is unsure who is beside her in bed, and worried about his intentions.

Perhaps this is a passing phase and all I need to do is tough it out.   Just to be on the safe side I am open to suggestions that might reduce the potential for distress, as we continue on this hazardous journey.