The Actor’s Vow by Elia Kazan really captures what many of us long for in life. It is my hope that this quote captures the essence of what psychotherapy offers and what will be supported by two people in a relationship that truly works. This is what is meant when I say that love should help you be more of yourself.

“I will take my rightful place on stage

and I will be myself.

I am not a cosmic orphan.

I have no reason to be timid.

I will respond as I feel;

awkwardly, vulgarly,

but respond.

I will have my throat open,

I will have my heart open,

I will be vulnerable.

I may have anything or everything

the world has to offer, but the thing

I need most, and want most,

is to be myself.

I will admit rejection, admit pain,

admit frustration, admit even pettiness,

admit shame, admit outrage,

admit anything and everything

that happens to me.

The best and most human parts of

me are those I have inhabited

and hidden from the world.

I will work on it.

I will raise my voice.

I will be heard.”