All participants in this work of fiction are over the age of 21.
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Session 1
"Hello Susan. I'm Dr. Irene Miller, it's nice to meet you. How are you?"
""I, um, ah... Hello..."
"It's okay. Many people are nervous on their first visit. It is to be expected. However, you have already done the two most important parts in helping me help you."
"..."
"You have, I assure you. And all the rest will be, well not easy, but easier."
"How, uh what? Have... What have I... I don't understand."
"The hardest part is recognizing you have a problem and that you may need a little assistance. The important part is actually seeking that help. And here you are."
"Uh, okaayy?"
"Well, Susan, since like most people, you are likely rather nervous about all this, so we will just ease into it at first. Okay?"
Session 2
"Hello again Susan. How are you?"
"H... Hi doc. It's uh, it's..."
"Come in, come in. Have a seat."
"Ah, okay."
"So tell me Susan what did you think about our last session?"
"Uhm, it was okay. I guess."
"And did you think about the breathing and meditation exercises I told you about?"
"..."
"Susan? Did you try them?"
"I... I tried but uh, um... I tried."
"Well that's good. Don't be discouraged if you couldn't reach the relaxed state. They are not easy exercises. I myself rarely reach the goal. In fact reaching the relaxed state isn't actually the point. It's really about the fact that your willing to try. Did you feel a little better after?"
"Ummm. I didn't, um, really th,think so... Well, at first? I, I slept really good th, that night though. And uh..."
"Good, good. That is a fine start. I would like you to keep trying. I find that it is most effective, well for me, to do the exercises before bed. Are you willing to keep trying?"
"Um, okay."
Alright. Now I need you to know that starting today, I am going to be asking more questions. Some may seem a little unorthodox while others might get rather, personable. Is that okay?"
"..."
"I understand. Some of the things I ask will make you feel uncomfortable. You don't have to answer if you don't want. However, if you do answer, I expect you to be honest. With me and with yourself. Answering my questions and being honest will help me, help you. Okay? Would you like to start?"
"Uh, o... O,okay."
Session 3
"Hi Susan! Come in."
Hi... Uh Hi Doc."
"Still trying your exercises?"
"Y, yes."
"And how are they going? Feeling a little better? Sleeping well?"
"I... Yes, sleeping. Better, um... I, I been h, having... Been dreaming."
"Oh? Well, would you like to talk about your dreams? Why Susan, your blushing... Ooh! Thoose kinds of dreams. Well, nothing wrong with that Susan. Perfectly healthy and normal. Do you have someone in your life, that can... You know, like a lover?"
"Ah, um, um n, no."
"Hmm, okay. Do you like these dreams?"
"Um, uh... Ye, yes."
"Alright. Would you like to talk about them?"
"..."
"That's fine, like I said, you don't have to if it makes you too uncomfortable."
"O, okay. May... Maybe another t, time."
"Perhaps another time then."
Session 4
"Well that was a good session today Susan. Your making progress. So, remember to continue to do your exercises. And don't shy away from casual eye contact."
"Al, alright. I, I'll try."
"Oh, I almost forgot. Here, take this literature. Read it and think about it. I feel that hypnosis could really help you. Are you willing to you do that for me?"
"I... Uh. Hy, hyp, hypnosis... Uh, um, uh..."
"It's okay Susan. It's not like in the movies. Hypnosis can not make you do things you don't want to do. And it is very relaxing. Read the literature and think about it. Okay?"
"Uh, o, okay."
Session 5
"Alright Susan, just lay back and watch the metronome. Listen to my voice and relax. Keep your eyes on the swinging bar as it slowly swings back and forth. Feel your tension dissipate with each beat. Feel your body relax. Enjoy how calm it makes you feel. Listen to my voice as it carries you away to a soft warm place."
Session 6
"That's it Susan, just lay back, comfortable and relaxed. Feel your tension slipping away with my words and how nice it feels. Feel how calm you become with the sound of my voice. It feels good to let the tensions drift away. It feels nice to slip into this calm relaxing place. Does it feel nice Susan?'
"Yes..."
"That is very good Susan. Listen to my voice and relax. The more you listen, the more you relax. The more you relax the deeper you will sink in to this nice calm place. Feel the pleasure of slipping deeper into the calmness of my voice. Feel how your mind slows as your body relaxes further. It is good to relax. It feels nice to let your mind drift. My voice makes you feel good. Are you relaxed Susan?"
"Yes..."
"Does it feel nice Susan?"
"Yes..."
"That is very good. You know I want to help you. I want to help you feel good. You came to me willingly for help. Did you come to me for help?"
"Yes..."