Overcoming

Have you ever wondered if people can really change? Have you been curious about what happens in a psychotherapist's office? Have you ever felt emotional despair and looked to find meaningful answers?This is the remarkable true story of Emma, a fragile young woman, and her tenacious therapist. The story describes the unconventional approaches taken by the psychologist to invite her client to recover and eventually thrive. Overcoming intimately explores the therapeutic process from the perspective of both the client and the therapist. Emma's personal notes and letters to Dr. Bowers gives the reader a unique perspective into the minds of both therapist and client. Emma had to overcome a tragic childhood, and Dr. Bowers had to overcome self–doubt, frustration, and therapeutic conventions in order to become an effective healing agent for her client.The reader will learn tips on coping with depression, anxiety, and trauma through reading Emma's story and the suggestions offered by Dr. Bowers. The willingness of Dr. Bowers to trust her intuition and follow her heart, rather than to follow conventional therapy guidelines allowed her to establish the therapeutic alliance that saved Emma's life.Emma's challenges with childhood sexual abuse, abandonment, depression, substance abuse, sexual identity confusion, grief, and forgiveness are all navigated with sometimes hair–raising drama and unpredictable chaos throughout their work together. It is a story of triumph, bravery, and healing that has a profound impact on the reader who rides the emotional roller coaster with Dr. Bowers and Emma.

-- Angela Glaser Bowers, Ph.D.