February 2nd, 2009
There are many reasons to see a therapist or counselor. Some people come to deal with past trauma, difficult feelings, or emotions. Others spend the time in session working on ways to cope with addictions or compulsions. Some come in order to begin living a life true to themselves – their gender identity or sexual orientation. Whatever the reason that compels a person to meet weekly with a stranger and speak their truth, perhaps the ultimate reason is captured in the few lines from the below poem…
When it’s over, I want to say: all my life
I was a bride married to amazement.
I was the bridegroom, taking the world into my arms.
When it is over, I don’t want to wonder
if I have made of my life something particular, and real.
I don’t want to find myself sighing and frightened,
or full of argument.
I don’t want to end up simply having visited this world.
From the poem: When Death Comes, by Mary Oliver
From New and Selected Poems by Mary Oliver (Beacon Press, 25 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02108-2892, ISBN 0 870 6819 5).
Perhaps that is why you are considering therapy. If so, feel free to call me at 202/460-6384 or Mike.Giordano.MSW@gmail.com. We can work together to make something “particular and real” of your life.