Reflections on “The Impossible Task of Today” and the Healing Work of Mangrove Therapy Group

Last month, I had the privilege of attending a profoundly moving performance at Theatre Lab in Boca Raton—The Impossible Task of Today, an incredibly powerful play written by a playwright named Jeff Bower. My wife is an actor and high school drama teacher, so I’m certainly no stranger to the thespian world and have therefore seen my share of plays. But this time, instead of just enjoying the show as a ticker holder, I was honored with an invitation to participate a post-show talkback focused on the core themes of the play: trauma and mental health.

As a trauma therapist and mental health professional, I’m always looking for ways to engage with our local community and bring awareness to these important topics that impact so many people. The Impossible Task of Today was a truly captivating work that accurately portrayed what so many people in the world struggle with

The Impossible Task of Today

In the play, we meet the main character, Jack, teaching English to a student over in Japan. We soon learn that Jack never leaves his home, therefore getting groceries and anything else he needs delivered. Jack is followed around by a silent companion who is dressed in black rags, who wraps Jack in dark thoughts, and which seems to represents the haunting presence of unresolved trauma and mental health. Jack neglects his hygiene, isolates from friends, sleeps all day, erupts in anger, is paralyzed with fear, and contemplates suicide. We find out later that a handful of years ago his wife had been killed in a horrific tragedy that they had both experienced, and he has been struggling ever since.

And so, the play’s title of The Impossible Task of Today truly resonates what I know to be the case for so many. That each day living on earth feels impossible, and like an immense burden just to survive.

Amazing Theatrical Performances in Boca Raton

Theatre Lab was established in 2015 on the Boca Raton campus of Florida Atlantic University on a small, intimate 99-seat stage. Its mission is “to inspire, develop, and produce new work, audiences, and artists for the American Theatre.” It is run by Matt Stabile, the Producing Artistic Director, who is a talented artist and responsible for much of what is produced at the venue. Theatre Lab has won numerous awards for varying works and is one of Palm Beach County’s best kept secrets.

The Talkback

As discussed in this Los Angeles Times article, talkbacks are ways the theatre can “connect the venue to its audience, deepen their understanding of the work and make the audience feel mor like a participant and not merely an observer.” Usually, actors will stay after the show and answer questions by members of the audience. Sometimes (as in my case), outside experts will be invited in to help foster a deeper discussion on some of the relevant themes portrayed in the play. I was invited for a show one week, and then the week after they invited Manuel Oliver, local artist and the father of Joaquin Oliver who died in the 2018 Parkland shooting (yes, gun violence was a topic in the play).

So, after an Saturday matinee viewing of the show, I participated in the talkback for the purpose of engaging the audience in a conversation about trauma and mental health. I joined Producing Artistic Director, Matt Stabile, on Jack’s couch (yes, the couch where the main character sleeps through his depression in the show) to cultivate the discussion. It was my first time on a professional stage! And yes, those lights are warm.

We talked about the impact of gun violence, the prevalence of trauma in the world, and how so many people are just doing their best to get by each day. I highlighted the need for effective trauma treatment, reducing stigma, and letting people know that there is hope for recovery. I also shared about how, from my experience, the play did an absolutely magnificent job in capturing the essence of someone who has been traumatized and living life in isolation, depressed, and suicidal.

Healing in Practice: The Work We Do at Mangrove Therapy Group

Theatre and therapy actually share a common thread – they both provide a safe space for people to tell their stories, be heard, and for strong emotions to be evoked and experienced. if you're carrying your own version of the “impossible task”—know that help is available, and healing is possible. You are not alone.

Our office is just around the corner from Boca Raton, the home of FAU’s Theatre Lab, and only 1.5 miles away in the next town over in Delray Beach. And while Theatre Lab is doing amazing work in producing meaningful, provocative plays, our practice, Mangrove Therapy Group, is doing some meaningful work as well! Our team works with individuals navigating the very same challenges brought to life in the play. We specialize in trauma-informed care, offering therapy for people dealing with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and the long-term effects of complex trauma.

We understand that what may appear “impossible” to the outside world is often a reflection of deep emotional wounds. Our therapists are trained in evidence-based approaches like EMDR (which we are known in the community for being experts at), Internal Family Systems, hypnosis, somatic therapy, and CBT, and DBT, which we tailor to the unique needs of each client. 

Start Working With a Trauma Therapist in Delray Beach, FL 

Whether someone is struggling to make sense of their past, regain stability in the present, or envision a more hopeful future, we join them in that process. Our team of caring therapists are here to offer support in overcome past trauma and cultivating a brighter future. Start your therapy journey with Mangrove Therapy Group by following these steps:

• Contact Mangrove Therapy Group
• Meet with a caring therapist
• Start addressing past trauma!

Other Services Offered with Mangrove Therapy Group

Trauma therapy isn’t the only service our team offers. Mangrove Therapy Group is happy to offer support with mental health concerns including EMDR, and PTSD/C-PTSD, substance use disorders, eating disorders, body image issues, anger management, anxiety, low self-esteem, personality disorders, and much more. Please feel free to learn more about how we can support you. We also offer support with addictions such as process addictions, grief and loss, “Failure to Launch” syndrome, CBT, and DBT. Feel free to learn more by visiting our blog or FAQ page today.