It was just a simple television program; but for nine weeks, the gut wrenching dialogue between its characters and the white-hot sex appeal of its leading man left me catatonic, a hopeless, spellbound disciple for its nightly half hour homily. My obsession was other-worldly, fueled mainly by its handsome lead actor’s dazzling portrayal of a caring but tortured therapist, torn in half by his desire for a woman he could not have. Night after night, I would listen to him as he would listen to his patients, with his sad but steady gaze, his expressive steepled hands. His empathy and compassion were served up like a metaphorical poultice for their fractured hearts. The magic lived in what he left unsaid, in the artful down-casting of eyes, the pursing of lips, leaving me breathless in anticipation waiting for words that would never come. As the weeks went by, I became obsessed with the show and consumed with thoughts of the actor, I was, indeed “touched” by this poet, this devastatingly handsome man. In short he rocked my world.
Eight weeks later, unable to hold back any longer, I confessed my madness to a community of like-minded women, all tortured by this malady, held hostage by this same blue eyed demon. In a desperate plea, I called to the dragon; called him by his name and I begged him to reveal the secret power cradled within his velvet grip:
"Gabriel Byrne, Gabriel Byrne, Gabriel Byrne,
What in the world have you done to me?"
The dragon never answered . So, I set out to find the answer myself. Since that time, I’ve analyzed my obsession and written my opinions. I've even created a few fictional tales about the series and the friends I've met on the "In Treatment" Forum; friends who have said my words represent exactly how they too, have felt. I’ve posted many of my writings here for anyone who wants to understand my journey into madness or read a bit of IT inspired fiction. I hope you enjoy!