"Something like that." Hannibal nodded. "I want you to lay back on the couch and close your eyes. You need to be comfortable and at ease. You need to not fight the memories that might come, either. Even if they don't make sense to you. They could be nothing, but they could be pieces to the puzzle that is you. Do you understand?"
Hannibal pulled a little recorder out of his pocket. It already had a new tape in it. He'd been prepping it for use withe undead monkey. But he could always get another new tape.
"We'll tape the session so that you can listen to it after. Repetition often helps to unlock the mind. Now, it's not particularly bright in here, but if you'd like it darker, I can close the curtains. If you like the light, I can turn on some more. Tell me whatever you need to feel comfortable and safe and I'll do my best to reconstruct it."
He placed one of the two glasses of water on the table right in front of the couch. Within easy reach for her. His own went on the chair side table. It was merely to keep his own throat dry. Hers could act as a crutch for her, if she needed it. Give her a moment to sort her thoughts when she was sure she couldn't just sit in silence.
"When you're ready, absolutely ready, we will begin. Not a moment sooner."