22 Phoenix place, Wednesday afternoon

[sharp_as_knives]

So, the group therapy sessions were to begin today. There hadn't been much terrible island trauma in some time, but there had been the minor ones, and surely some people had issues of their own. Hannibal was curious to see how many would show. The chairs and sofas in his office had been arranged into a loose and seemingly haphazard grouping designed to eliminate pressure from any one position.

After some deliberation, he'd decided that the food shouldn't overpower the discussion, and had gone with an assortment of very good cheeses, a few homemade sausages, fresh-baked bread and crackers, and a few types of jam. Plus, naturally, coffee, tea, and water.

When the time came to start, he nodded at the people there. "Before we begin, I must insist on a few things. First, there is to be no judgement. You may question each other, you may say you would do things differently, but this is to be a supportive environment for all. Also, anything said here remains here. Unless you are explicitly told otherwise, whatever you hear is not to be repeated." He waved toward the rear of the house. "The squirrels are currently working on a ridiculously good bottle of rum. The rest of you will simply have to be trustworthy."

He looked them over. "I thought to begin, we might start with stories. What is something you have had happen to you on the island - good or bad - that you would never have conceived of where you came from? And also, if you will, what is it you hope to get from this group, if anything?"

Hannibal smiled. "I can say from my own perspective that there are many things I never would have conceived of. Meeting aliens, being possessed, being a woman, being a child. It's fascinating, but it was quite an adjustment. And what I'm hoping for is to help people to make that adjustment." He looked expectant and waited for the next person to speak up.


[OOC: Open post! Other than who came and what Hannibal set up the office for, the rest is NFB due to therapy and squirrel bribes.]

Comments

Re: Arrive and mingle!

[sharp_as_knives]

"I'm well, thank you. And you? And your..." cloud "friend?"

Re: Arrive and mingle!

[iceolatedqueen.livejournal.com]

Elsa blushed faintly, looking over her shoulder at the cloud that was... sulking. Actually sulking at the door.

"We're fine, thank you," she replied, after a moment. "Nimbus is only a few days old, and hasn't spent much time on his own, but should be alright where he's at."

She called the cloud a 'he' for simplicity's sake. She was still grudgingly resisting actually accepting that the thing might have some manner of actual intelligence, but then, there it was, looking terribly put-out by having to stay by the door. And he seemed to like being called something other than 'it.'

Which... was... counterproductive to that whole denial thing, yes.

Re: Arrive and mingle!

[sharp_as_knives]

"Ah. Well." What did you say to a cloud? If it was behaving like a small child... "I'm afraid my floors aren't snow-proof, Nimbus. But if you'd like, you could stay here in the yard and play with the flamingos."

He wasn't even sorry.

Re: Arrive and mingle!

[iceolatedqueen.livejournal.com]

The relief was plain and clear on Elsa's face as the cloud seemed to consider this option, and then kind of floated away to go play with the birds.

Poor things.

"I almost feel sorry for them," Elsa noted, watching the cloud go. "They're tropical animals, aren't they?"

This didn't stop them from sticking around through the winters here, granted.

Re: Arrive and mingle!

[sharp_as_knives]

"They are," Hannibal answered. "But very persistent, and capable of defending themselves. Or leaving." He waved Elsa toward the office. "It's good to see you."

Re: Arrive and mingle!

[iceolatedqueen.livejournal.com]

"It's good to... to be here," Elsa decided, walking toward the office a little tentatively. "Though I've never really done anything like this before. I have to admit to being a touch nervous."

A touch. A smidgen. A royally acceptable amount.

Re: Arrive and mingle!

[sharp_as_knives]

"That's perfectly understandable," Hannibal said. "But all it is, is a group of people talking. And you can leave whenever you like," he promised.

Re: Arrive and mingle!

[iceolatedqueen.livejournal.com]

Elsa gave a small nod. She was here now, but it was good to know that she could still leave if she felt she needed to. Thank goodness. Feeling nervous wasn't going to do anybody any great favors.

"Thank you," she replied. "I think I'll try to make it through the entire session, but it's reassuring to know that if I'm uncomfortable for whatever reason, I don't have to stay."

Re: Arrive and mingle!

[sharp_as_knives]

"Of course." Hannibal smiled at her. "And if you just need some time, I've got a lovely porch. Although I'd recommend staying on the far side from the squirrels."

They were probably very drunk.

Re: Arrive and mingle!

[iceolatedqueen.livejournal.com]

"Trust me," Elsa laughed softly, "I have no intention of getting closer to the squirrels than is absolutely necessary."

She was sure they were charming. For squirrels.

Re: Arrive and mingle!

[sharp_as_knives]

"I can't say that I blame you," Hannibal answered. He nodded to the sideboard. "There is of course a little food and drink, if you'd like."