Anxiety Therapy

Anxiety Therapy 

Anxiety Therapy is the latest short story to be checked off my to be read list. I love reading short stories at night before going to bed because I’m not playing the “just one more chapter” game and surpassing my bedtime. 

This one interested me because it is labeled a supernatural and horror thriller story. Which isn’t something I read often, so I figured it was worth a try. I had also just purchased Book of Fear recently, and recognized the author’s name when it was recommended to me. 

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Have you read Anxiety Therapy? Come on in and let me tell you about it! 

About Anxiety Therapy 

​​How far would you go for an anxiety cure? A supernatural suspense horror story!

In the glittering realm of corporate success, Marilyn reigns as a queen, navigating the cutthroat world of deals and power with ruthless efficiency. Yet, her ascent to the top has come at a cost — a haunting price that claws at her mind with each closing contract.

Desperation, after trying everything else, drives Marilyn to seek relief for her anxiety in the uncharted waters of unconventional therapy. In what seems like a coincidental manner, she discovers the services of Dr. Drye who makes a bold claim: she promises Marilyn a cure where conventional therapy and pills have failed.

In the beautiful gardens at Drye’s clinic, Marilyn is lulled into a false sense of security as the good doctor guides her into the depths of her subconscious. At first, all seems well. However, as she finds herself relaxed and vulnerable, she is plunged into a world of nightmares and horrors.

With each session, an eerie fog envelops her, blurring the lines between reality and nightmare. Marilyn is sure something feels off in these sessions but dismisses her intuition, holding onto the thin hope that the doctor’s expertise will free her from the chains of anxiety. When the thin veneer of normalcy cracks, it might possibly be too late for Marilyn to back out. 

Thoughts on Anxiety Therapy 

This was an interesting story. I honestly find the “horror” label to be completely inaccurate. It is actually a disservice to what this story is, which is beautifully written and amazing. Paranormal certainly fits, but not horror. 

It is an incredibly accurate depiction of what anxiety looks like from a female perspective. In terms of character development and depth, the story is severely lacking, but I don’t think it is necessary here either. That is kind of the beauty of a short story, it isn’t there and isn’t as necessary as in a full novel. 

“As I pulled into the driveway of her clinic, a wave of anxiety washed over me, stronger than I had felt in months. It’s funny how emotional pain, when absent for a while, will return with such a vehement intensity, it will seem worse than anything you’ve experienced to date.” 

Mary Black Rose, Anxiety Therapy

What it lacks in depth and character development, it makes up for with relevance and practicality. I was shocked at how much this story resonated with me. 

It was a quick and easy read, that I read instead of scrolling through social media, and I loved that. If you’re one of those people who struggles to find time to read, put your phone down. Pick up your Kindle instead of your phone when you’re bored. If you go to the bathroom to be alone for five minutes, read while you’re there. Seriously! Read something like this, a short story that will not disappoint you. 

Final Thoughts on Anxiety Therapy 

I must admit that I was not expecting a happily ever after type ending to this story. I really wasn’t sure how any of it was going to go, let alone the ending. But it was perfect, and it made me so very happy. I’m not going to give anything away, which is hard when it comes to a short story, but I will say the ending was totally worth the read because it was so perfect. 

Mary Black Rose definitely doesn’t fit into a box when it comes to her writing, and so I had no clue where any of it was going along the way. It certainly wasn’t predictable. This is something that I really appreciate. Because it makes the journey of reading a story that much more interesting and captivating. 

This was the first Mary Black Rose story, and I’m calling it 4 stars. But it certainly won’t be the last of her writing that I read. 

Discussion 

Have you read Anxiety Therapy or any other writing from author Mary Black Rose? Are you a fan? Let me know your thoughts in the comments! 

About the Author 

I studied writing at the “School of Hard Knocks” and “University of Life” getting my degrees in “Fine Arts of Common Sense” with a minor in “Epic Ass-Handing”.

Being pansexual, I enjoy writing a variety of LGBTQ characters. You’ll always find diverse ethnicities and sexual orientations, with a pinch of magic thrown in for good measure: or in other words stories about everyday people in fantastic situations.

Essentially, I read a lot to keep the voices in my head quiet. I write a lot to keep the voices alive.

When I’m not writing, I’m supporting my husband and wife, (yes, you read that right — I’m polyamorous), being caretaker of minions, (losing track of how many — it’s like they multiply), you might find me crocheting, watching Deadpool or South Park again, or attempting to be Defender of The Universe.

Slight Disclaimer: All Universes exist within my imagination. Any attempts to access it may result in serious mind-bending alterations. You’ve been warned! Happy reading! 

Purchasing Anxiety Therapy 

If you are interested in buying the paperback version of Anxiety Therapy, click here.

Click here for the Kindle version.

Click here for my favorite Kindle I currently own.

More From Mary Black Rose 

Did you enjoy my review of Anxiety Therapy? Need another great Mary Black Rose story to read? Here are my favorites! 

Book of Fear 

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