( she wouldn't be the first person to get tetchy about it. he understands the caution and nods once more. )

I know asking you to be open about things like this can be stressful, but everything in these sessions is kept private. I answer to no one, my assistant is under strict instructions to never handle patient files, and this office is warded to prevent break ins. ( now, if she agreed to be a case study, we might have a different conversation, but he doesn't think she needs him to get into all of that. )

If you like, we can start with something... less serious. ( and maybe once she's more comfortable and assured that the simple stuff hasn't leaked, they can touch upon the deeper issues? ) Like... um. Ah! What's your favourite dessert?

( food is generally a safe topic for most people, he thinks. )