Cuddy waited until Steven sat down before she sat down herself. Patients and secrets had been a recurring problem in Princeton, often keeping them from getting the right diagnosis and treatment as a result.
"The things that we think we can't tell anyone are usually the things we need to talk about the most." She said, trying to make eye contact and keep him focused on her. "Keeping secrets, especially big secrets, causes stress. Prolonged stress is very damaging to your mental and physical health." She felt certain that she could already see the tension on him.
"I am your doctor." Cuddy reminded him. "I need to know what's happening with you. I'm obligated to keep what you say confidential. You can trust me." She sat back in her chair, making herself more comfortable and giving him a chance to respond.