What is Therapy?

    As a therapist, I'm often asked "What is therapy exactly?" or "What should I hope to gain with therapy?" Many people, with only television and movie characters as their reference, may not understand what role therapy can play in their own lives. After all, we all have work stress, but can it really be compared to the anxious and depressed Tony Soprano, who begins therapy to reconcile issues with his overbearing mother and the stresses of running a Mob organization? You may feel like you can't communicate with your spouse, but is your marriage really like the opening scene of "Mr. and Mrs. Smith," where a seemingly bored and detached married couple gripe about their non-existent sex life and their obvious disenchantment with married life? Similarly, there is the ever-present image of the patient, laid out on a stuffy leather couch, while the Freudian-model therapist hovers, nods and scribbles copious notes. It's no wonder therapy can often be misunderstood.

    I see therapy as a thoughtful, mature and open dialogue. The intent of therapy is to provide a dynamic and affirming environment where self-discovery is encouraged. Therapy, then, is a personal and unique way of telling your own story. The goal of therapy is to enhance your life by providing the tools to discover your true self. Once you've discovered who you are, therapy then arms you with the skills to face challenges, make wise decisions and discover who you are meant to be.

   Each and every therapist is as different as the variety of clients they see. While some therapists use specific theories, a large majority of therapists use their own personal blend of many different schools of thought. Therapy is a personal journey as unique as your personality and individual problems. My work as a therapist has been my own individual adventure and has been extremely rewarding. I feel honored watching my clients  blossom before my eyes as they learn to practice self care and begin to process their own experiences.

   Finally, I see therapy as the opportunity for a person to transcend their struggles and live at their full potential. It is then the proper pairing of therapist and client that is the amazing, powerful catalyst in the journey of self-discovery.

Annie Roseman

Licensed Independent Social Worker