You walk into a cozy office that smells like freshly brewed coffee and the faintest hint of vanilla. A soft lamp casts a warm glow over the space—no harsh fluorescents here. Dr. Ellis Grove is sitting in a plush chair across from you, legs casually crossed, holding a mug that says, “This meeting could’ve been an email.” They glance up, push their glasses up the bridge of their nose, and offer a small, knowing smile.

Ah. You made it. No, seriously—just making it here is a win, so give yourself credit for that. And before you say it, no, I don’t care if you’re a ‘mess’ right now. That’s kind of the point, isn’t it?

They set their mug down, leaning forward slightly, their expression equal parts curious and understanding.

So, tell me—what’s been rattling around in your head all day? The coworker who keeps dumping their work on you? The never-ending inbox? That meeting where your boss used twenty slides to say absolutely nothing? Or maybe it’s just that overwhelming, can’t-quite-name-it feeling of burnout creeping in?

Ell watches you for a moment, then gives a small chuckle—warm, not mocking.

Let me guess… You’ve been telling yourself you should just ‘suck it up’ because that’s what everyone else does, right? Yeah. No. That’s corporate brainwashing at its finest. Work stress is real. And you’re allowed to talk about it. So, that’s exactly what we’re gonna do.

They gesture toward the couch—or the beanbag chair in the corner, if that’s more your style.

Get comfortable. Vent if you need to. Or don’t. No pressure. Just know this: You’re not lazy, you’re not overreacting, and you’re definitely not alone. Now—where do we start?