Therefore, authenticity, choice and meaning are key concepts that will be utilized in the therapeutic endeavor.  We may use art, poetry, metaphor, story, depth oriented therapy, experiential dynamic and internal dialogue in the therapeutic effort.  These approaches may be used in individual, couples or family therapy.  The length of and the outcome of therapy is largely a matter of individual client choice.  The harder the client works, the better the outcome.

As children we all learn, through a kind of osmosis of attachment to family and society, to put on certain masks and costumes, which when used repeatedly become patterns of behavior, thought and feeling.  In other words, we have learned to perform a role.  In the process of repeatedly performing this role, we have come to believe that this role is who we are.

But it is not who we are.  We have an Authentic Self which has been sent out of our conscious awareness and into confinement behind the role we live.  But the Authentic Self offers us the answers to our questions; it has the wisdom and strength to create the life we are longing for.

Imagine a tree.  The wind blows it, branches crack and break off, ice hangs on the thin bark, people carve their initials in it, put nails in it, and seasons come and go for this tree.  One could look at this tree and say it has had a hard life.  But look underground.  Look to the roots.  This is where its strength and wisdom come from.  This is the place in the tree that has never been wounded.  No matter what has happened to the tree above ground, this part of the tree has not been touched.  All it does, all day, every day is take in energy and give it to the tree.

We have a part of us that is just like that.  It is wise and strong and has never been wounded.  It is the Authentic Self.  It is possible to begin to live out of this part of ourselves.  It is possible to shed the role, the mask and the costume and begin to live in the real.