Post by Ellen Banks on Nov 14, 2015 12:59:22 GMT -6
Music what?!
Now, normally Ellen wouldn't be obliged to even consider therapy of any kind, she was perfectly fine after all, probably better then most considering what had happened in the last three years. She was a survivor after all this is what she does and she needed exactly zero help to do that. Plus she was forced to see a shrink after the shooting and that didn't go well. In fact that the therapist had gone so far as to insinuate that Ellen deserved what she gotten.
So no Ellen was not a fan of therapy, musical or otherwise.....
....But she WAS a fan of peaceful silence weekends, which exactly what Felix was offering her. The trade was a simple one. Ellen gives her a few moments of her time and he takes the little prince off her hands for the weekend...
....Ellen would have agreed to give him her front teeth if it meant peace and quiet.... Besides, Ellen didn't exactly know what this"Music therapy" was. Felix probably just wanted to show off his music and Ellen just had to look suitably impressed. Which Ellen could do, it was an effort but she could certainly manage it...
So here Ellen sat in the recording studio staring at Felix with a skeptical will this....what ever this is that long?"
Last Edit: Nov 14, 2015 13:00:14 GMT -6 by Ellen Banks
Post by Felix Nicholas on Nov 14, 2015 15:31:53 GMT -6
While Felix had an extensive knowledge of his discipline, the music teacher hadn't put it too much into practise. Music therapy wasn't a cookie cutter method, and had to be catered closely to each patient. While the teacher held the necessary degrees, He hadn't pushed forward yet with opening a drop in for students; Although it was something Felix was aiming towards. Before that day could come however, he'd offered, and in some cases, bribed, his services onto some of those he cared for that he felt could benefit. Yes, Felix Nicholas cared for Ellen Banks. The CEO had done little to warrant the man's friendship, but she was a close friend to Erika, and by gradual association Felix had come to care for the sharp tongued young woman; And she, perhaps more then most, needed what he could potentially offer. Although Felix heavily doubted that she'd ever admit it. Admitting she needed help in any form was for Ellen the same as declaring herself to be weak, which Felix hd come to know was something that was simply not in a Banks' vocabulary... Hence the need to bribe Ellen with a get out of babysitting duty free card.
Even with that expertly offered bribery, Felix still was frankly surprised that Ellen had turned up. He gave her a warm, welcoming smile, from his position in a chair opposite. He folded one leg over the other, interlocking his fingers across his lap. "You don't have have to stay here any longer then you think is necessary," He replied with a nod, before chuckling a little. "But saying that... In order to earn that babysitter free pass, I ask that you at least give it a go. Even for say, half an hour." The teacher kept any concern from his expression, knowing that any inclination that Felix was worried for her wellbeing would likely result in the CEO walling herself in and leaving the session; He needed her to think this was all a casual experiment, so that Felix could further develop his music therapy program in the field. "We're going to start with something simple... A relaxation exercise," He smiled, standing up from his seat and gently pushing it aside, freeing up more floor space. It was human nature to carry certain stresses or emotional weight within the muscles of the body; This was not just a psychological aspect, but a physical one... Certain muscle groups were kept tense depending on different types of stress suffered. He then stepped back, gesturing to the cushion laden sofa. It had been there ever since Felix had joined the station, and since he usually just immediately took to his chair, it had just been basically decor. Finally it was getting some sort of use. "I... Need you to lay down." He cast her a sheepish grin, running his hand through his hair; Ellen must truly hate babysitting for her to agree to go through this.
Post by Ellen Banks on Nov 14, 2015 17:14:12 GMT -6
Oh good. Another one that, “Cared” for her.Good lord there seemed to be a lot of them wasn’tthere? Ellen certainly was popular for…..whatever reason, just image if Ellen even remotely cared about what people thought about her, or made an actual effort to be nice to people. Hell if she got half as many “Friends” as she did when she decidedly didn’t she would have the makings of an out and out cult wouldn’t she?
Hell, this WAS her being nice. Ellen could very easily told Felix that this sounded quite frankly stupid and Ellen wanted nothing whatsoever to do with it, but she didn’t because this is what she did seemingly every moment of her life; She indulged the idiocy of the people around her. Because if she didn’t indulge Felix’s stupidity then Ellen wouldn’t have peace for a lonnng time.
“Don’t sit like that” Ellen shot out looking up at Felix with her nose up “You’re trying way too hard to look like a therapist. Terribly annoying people Can’t abide them, please don’t do that. It makes me feel like I’m being examined” And yes that was the truth, she hated this, she hated that she was on the back foot and didn’t exactly like she didn’t know what to expect “Oh no I don’t intend on standing long” Ellen said half an hour never seemed so long to her, but she hoped that the time will fly by, Ellen has to raise her eyebrow at what Felix was saying. Where was this going “Do I not seem relaxed to you?” Relaxation was over rated anyone, Ellen preferred to keep on her toes at all times
but knowing there was one way to get this over with she sighed and stepped up off her seat giving Felix a pointed glare all the way to the sofa as so lowered herself down there with a certain amount of grace “You have 28 minutes left of my time…”
Post by Felix Nicholas on Nov 14, 2015 18:04:07 GMT -6
With as close to a kind tone as could be expected from Ellen Banks, Felix gave her a sheepish grin, choosing to tactfully ignore her "trying to look like a therapist" comment. It was frightfully obvious that Miss.Banks wanted about as little to do with this whole situation as possible, and if it hadn't been outweighed by Felix's trade, the teacher doubted Ellen would have even stepped into the room. Or even considered stepping into the room. Or simply laughed in his face and slammed the door. In terms of examining her... Felix didn't think that would be something even the world's most renowned therapist could manage. "I'm not going to examine you," Felix protested, holding his hands up in a defensive manner. "That's not what I do." He supposed she heard the word "therapist" and assumed he was going to sit and talk to her, ask her how she was feeling and get her to describe what she saw in ink blot tests. Felix then raised an eyebrow at the CEO as she made one of her statements that really needed no answer; Ellen Banks, relaxed? Felix didn't think he could even recall a situation where she been... Come to think of it, had he ever even seen her smile, honestly, with no malice or sarcasm? He folded his arms across his chest casually, keeping his gaze locked with the woman as she made her way to the sofa. "28 minutes and counting?" Felix grinned, before bringing it back to a warm smile. "Now, can you close your eyes? Keep calm, focus on the music I'm going to play and your breathing..."
The teacher slowly backed up to the console, before turning and leaning in to read what was being displayed on the monitor, narrowing his eyes as he pressed a few buttons. "I need to work with me here, Miss.Banks." He cast her a warm, reassuring expression over his shoulder before continuing finally pressing a button in order to activate the playlist. Soft, long drawn out strings began to unwind from the room's speaker system, filling the radio station with the gentle tune of a single violin. Felix's smile softened, and for a moment he closed his eyes; The piece always calmed him, although he wasn't sure if it would work for Ellen... He needed to monitor her carefully, so he could edit the session to suit her. "Okay, we're going to start with this," He spoke confidently, turning away from the monitor, stretching his arms above his head as he did so, before allowing them to drop to his sides. He took a deep breath, breathing out, shaking his arms a little. "... I'm going to shift the sound waves as the piece plays... And I'm going to focus them on usual areas of muscle tension." He held his hands up, allowing his ability to feel out into the air, sensing the quivering waves of sound.
Here's hoping this worked to at least relax her... However slightly.
Last Edit: Nov 14, 2015 18:08:27 GMT -6 by Felix Nicholas
Post by Ellen Banks on Nov 14, 2015 18:44:42 GMT -6
No. Ellen never showed Felix a smile, very few people have made Ellen crack a smile, which was actually quite lovely When it was legitimate and there was no snark behind it, but it was like a rare bird in plumage in the wild. Lovely to look at, but almost impossible to find naturally. And that was certainly the case when it came to Felix, besides she never exactly gave her a reason to smile
“You don’t seem to do a LOT do you? all you seem to do is laze around in him, flash that goofy smile and….that’s about the sums of your contributions to society isn’t it?” No, Ellen didn’t put any stock in radio. Ellen detested popular music sothe radio was rarely on in her home...unless it was classical music. That was the only music Ellen was allowed to listen to under his roof, Ellen didn’t really put stock in Felix’s career choice…
“I have a feeling this is going to feel very slow” Ellen muttered almost to herself. sighing deeply though her nose as if it was such a monumental task Felix was asking of her before reluctantly kicking out her legs settling down in the chair and closing her eyes her hands in in her lap taking breaths clearly just playing along with Felix at this point…”If I must…” She sighed once she was told she had to be cooperative to Felix. Now that didn’t set right with her at all, but, anything to get this done faster right?
Ellen frowned a little at the music, it was slow paced and clearly masterfully played, but Ellen was not the biggest fan of the violin. Sounded too squeaky for her taste. “Great. Wonderful. It’s a volin is the therapy over now?” Sarcasm drifting off her tone as she spoke but an instant frown formed on her features “Wait you’re going to Ahh!” Ellen squeaked in surprise her body flitching as the musical vibrations hit her system it almost felt….good...nice even like a deep tissue massage, as Ellen’s frown softened as despite herself she relaxed into the sofa “Could have given me a warning….”
Post by Felix Nicholas on Nov 14, 2015 20:04:10 GMT -6
Felix had to laugh at her comments, finding Ellen's sarcastic remarks perhaps a touch more amusing then she obviously intended. The teacher supposed that to Ellen it must appear as though he did gave little to no contribution to society; He was fairly certain that unless you had your head in business with a bank account large enough to match some elaborate title, Ellen Banks didn't think you had achieved. Well, she likely thought Felix spent his entire day playing with music and lounging in the station... Which, to be fair, he often did. "You think my smile's goofy? And here I thought I brought you weak at the knees with it," He spoke light heartedly, wanting very much for the casual atmosphere to be maintained at this stage. As soon as he showcased a more serious tone or level of concern, he was certain Ellen would cut the session and refuse to be involved.
As the teacher mentally prepared himself for the task at hand, he took careful observation of the CEO settled on the sofa. Without her piercing stare, you could almost call Ellen's features soft. She held a slight frown to her forehead, but other then that, she seemed to be listening to Felix's requests. Palms outstretched, he began to slowly manipulate the sound waves through slow movements with his hands, drawing them and directing them towards Ellen's shoulders. The sound dipped slightly, the violin strings becoming more drawn out as the teacher stretched them. He gave a flinch as Ellen gave a cry out, before giving a small chuckle. "Warning you? Where's the fun in that, Miss.Banks?" He smiled, before gesturing for her to settle again. "I need you to keep calm. Take deep, slow breaths. I'm going to target your shoulders first, then steadily flow the waves through your body. At any point you want me to stop, just let me know."
As he began to continue manipulating the waves of sound, Felix turned his body and quickly pressed a few buttons on the radio console, keeping the flow going with one hand, smiling as the sound shifted slowly from that of violin strings to a slow, gentle piano piece; He'd noted Ellen's expression and comment towards the violin, so perhaps piano was more to her taste. As the ivory keys slowly unfurled, Felix continued, manipulating the waves with both hands again like a conductor. "...Tense your shoulders, then relax for me... Then tense your upper arms, then relax... Then your chest... Just keep going until you've done that allll the way down to your feet."
Post by Ellen Banks on Nov 14, 2015 21:12:21 GMT -6
….Well, ok. Ellen would give him this. Objectively, he had pleasing features, dare he say it, he was even handsome and he was sure that he had many of the girls in his class paying close attention to every word he said and making them swoon with that grin of his….but for Ellen? Well, let’s just say Felix wasn’t exactly Ellen’s type
...Or gender….
So Ellen only groaned at the poor excuse of a joke Felix made trying her hardest not to roll her eyes “What Elsa sees in you I’ll never know”....
He held her tongue bitterly cursing herself for letting out that kind of scream out in front of him. She hated when people laughed at her and she was about to say something but then the soothing vibrations began to localize from her shoulders slowly relaxing then before she felt it travel up and down her body in nice relaxing waves targeting and removing any stress in her body….
...Almost instinctively she found herself doing exactly what Felix was telling her. Tense. untense. Tense . Untense over and over again….was this was what it was like to be devold of stress….it was kind of nice...the music was wonderful and even Felix’s voice was kind of soothing,
It wasn’t long before Ellen’s body language could easily be confused for someone having a nap as she melted into the sofa...her brain slowing down for once
Post by Felix Nicholas on Dec 4, 2015 4:12:36 GMT -6
Felix's natural demeanour had always leaned towards maintaining an upbeat atmosphere, and here he was hoping to use it in order to try and keep Ellen Banks calm... A difficult task on perhaps most given days. Hey if she was concentrating on his terrible jokes, she wouldn't be stressing herself with the situation at hand... However when her reply came, Felix had to fight his smile from dropping; He wasn't certain if Ellen knew all the details about what had happened between him and Elsa, but now was certainly not the time to explain it... Not that he wanted to. He instead managed to hold on to his goofy grin, giving her a casual shrug in response. "Must be my stunningly good looks," He added, continuing with the joke, hoping Ellen had no intentions of delving any further into that little aspect of his life.
Thankfully, the slow, gentle process of sound wave relaxation seemed to take Ellen's attention. This technique was a fairly common one when it came to music therapy to aid relaxation of the subject, but while most merely roughly directed sound waves to usual areas of muscle tension, the teacher's abilities allowed him to far more accurately move the waves throughout another's form, pinpointing areas of muscle pressure based on how the waves reacted. With long, drawn out movements, the teacher slowly adjusted the waves, blinking a little in surprise when the CEO slowly let herself fall back, the back of the sofa catching her. Felix frankly hadn't expected it to work so effortlessly, especially since Ellen had more then one or two steeled walls in her head as well as her heart. Felix breathed out a gentle, slightly shakey sigh, smiling softly; It seemed classical piano resonated with her fairly well, as opposed to the violin. Now, for the far trickier part. Relaxation was one thing, but attempting to delve into the darker recesses of Ellen's emotional state was going to prove to be the real test of Felix's skill... He didn't want to upset her, and he knew if he did she'd surely come to hate him, but if this worked... He could potentially support the poor young woman in growing emotionally healthier. It was worth the risk.
"... I need you to breathe in, and breathe out... Gently," He continued, keeping his voice calm, his tone warm. His hands warped the delicate notes still streaming from the speakers, carefully taking note of any shift in Ellen's muscle tension. "... Now. I'm going to lead you... Trust me, and tell me what you feel as we go on." He glanced over towards the radio computer's mointor, which was now moving from the relaxation program. The piano notes continued to play, although the they grew from the slow, relaxed tune to a brighter sounding piece. It was classical, but warm and welcoming, like a piece played in a piano bar. "You're calm. The world around you is familiar... The world is your room at home." The teacher spoke softly, his hands and fingers moving like a slow conductor; Felix frankly had no idea if this would work... He wasn't sure where a space Ellen would feel relatively safe would be, but her room was a safe bet. Imaginative music therapy did not work for everyone, but with Ellen's walled nature drawing out her fears would require a less direct route then most.
Deeply relaxing her then leading her through a symbolic imaginative sequence while in a relaxed state, with music helping to stimulate her emotions, had been his plan of action... And while so far it had been effective, there was no telling no receptive Ellen would be to the rest of the session. "Familiar... You're alone here, but safe. Now breathe..." Felix slowly reached over to the monitor now, pressing another button before quickly resuming his manipulation of the sound waves; Before the low, slightly off kilter cello strings Felix had just activated from another speaker, the teacher halted the waves with an outstretched palm. Not yet... He needed to bring them in slowly. "Ellen... You're going to follow me, slowly... You're leaving your familiar space..."
Post by Ellen Banks on Dec 16, 2015 18:57:37 GMT -6
it was actually quite simple the reason why Ellen seemed to relax so easily under the influence of Felix’s music. He maybe wasn’t aware of this but Ellen’s older sister was quite a songsmith herself maybe not in the same way as Felix her power happened to be what you would call a “Siren song” and once she developed this power and learned what it does? You better believe she sang to her litter sister whenever possible. almost every single night she was sung to sleep, and the more she was sung too, the easier it was for her to just turn her mind off. Because of that she’s developed an strong connection with music, her subconscious mind naturally associates the song of music with, please. calm. relaxation and going to sleep, so it was fair to say that Felix had something of a head start when it came to Ellen all he needed to do was to expose Ellen to relaxation music for a prolonged period of time, he probably would have gotten the same effect….
Ellen, would be able to recognize the signs of what was happening to her if she was fully awake at the moment she would be able to tell what was happening at the moment, her conscious mind wasn’t shutting down persay. It was just entering a extremely relaxed state that laid between being asleep and being awake (Almost like a waking dream) where the mind because suggestible and intensely chilled out, Ellen would no doubt figure out the irony of this if she wasn’t lying on the sofa breathing oh-so heavily
“Nice….warm….calm” She muttered in a sleepy soft voice no where near the harsh tones that Felix would be used to hear with her it was like someone much more calm and peaceful speaking through Ellen as her head lopped off to the side imagination bringing up the pictures in her mind through Felix’s words. There she was in her dorm room. She could see it all through her minds eye as if she was actually there...the familiar smells, the sights...yes there was something comforting about a room you know well wasn’t there?
But then just as soon as it came in, the imagine of her bed room began to blur and reshape itself as Ellen became dimly aware of a voice….calling to her...telling her she should follow it, and sure enough moving like she was in a dream she found herself moving towards it. almost mildly curious where it was taking her