“Welcome everyone, thank you for joining us,” I say through a well practised smile whilst making eye contact with all 5 humans, uh patients.

“Please, take a seat. Let us begin.” I motion towards the hard wooden chairs laid out in a perfect circle with a welcoming hand wave.

The room is large, bare wooden floors that echo with every footstep and scrape of a chair. As we all take our seats, a hush descends on the already quiet group. They awkwardly settle into their chairs, looking anywhere but at each other. I can see what they are all thinking, their fears and curiosity held in common cause.

Five is a good number, not too big and not too small either. They will be more comfortable laying bare their souls, but just large enough to be anonymous. A good mix of gender too, three ladies and two gentleman. There will be a little bit of competition perhaps, I can already see the pinks and reds of attraction blooming.

“I am Doctor Rose, I have been trained in Encounter group therapy and dream analysis. I studied under Doctor Hoch a premier mind in Freudian and Jungian comparative analysis.”

My plan to dazzle them with lineage and pseudo psychology seems to be working. Almost in unison they nod and smile at my introduction. A light green settling upon the group as they begin to relax, relived they have put themselves in the hands of an expert.

“I will of course take notes during the session, these are confidential but you may each examine anything I write about you at any time. I have some availability for private sessions should you wish to explore anything that may come up in our group settings in a more intimate environment.”

I smile again, my face aching slightly from the sincerity of it all, reassuring them I am hiding nothing. Everything is for their benefit, no judgement just understanding and help.

I look into the eyes of the gentleman on my left, smartly dressed in suit and shirt with clean shoes. “Please, introduce yourself to the group. Just a brief sentence, your name and what you are hoping to gain from our mutual efforts.” Prompting him with a nod of the head I begin to jot notes on the group as we move around the circle. Brave souls already opening up to each other; Desperate for connection and understanding.

Joe quietly hovers at the far end of the room. Turning on the water urn and setting up the tea cups and biscuits. Boiled, flavoured water and sugary delights as a reward for talking about your secrets. There is much work to be done tonight.