The Meaning of the Umbrella

The Woman in the Window

The umbrella begins as an awkward therapeutic shield and becomes a symbol of Anna’s gradual capacity to face exposure and act for herself.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Tool for Exposure A Tool for Exposure from "The Woman in the Window". A Portable Boundary Ed’s Old Umbrella Dr. Julian Fielding uses the umbrella to give Anna something patterned and familiar to focus on.

A Tool for Exposure from "The Woman in the Window". A Portable Boundary Ed’s Old Umbrella Dr. Julian Fielding uses the umbrella to give Anna something patterned and familiar to focus on.

A Portable Boundary Ed’s Old Umbrella Dr. Julian Fielding uses the umbrella to give Anna something patterned and familiar to focus on. She counts its shapes while attempting to step outside. Protection and Embarrassment Anna calls it ridiculous even as she relies on it. The umbrella is both a practical aid and a visible reminder of how constrained she feels.

A Small Advance A Small Advance from "The Woman in the Window". Steps Into the Garden Counting Through Panic Anna moves down the steps and across part of the lawn while breathing in measured counts.

A Small Advance from "The Woman in the Window". Steps Into the Garden Counting Through Panic Anna moves down the steps and across part of the lawn while breathing in measured counts.

Steps Into the Garden Counting Through Panic Anna moves down the steps and across part of the lawn while breathing in measured counts. The visual structure helps her stay with the moment. The Limit of Practice Panic eventually rises beyond what the exercise can contain. Anna retreats, but the experience leaves a memory of having crossed the threshold before.

The Umbrella at the Rescue The Umbrella at the Rescue from "The Woman in the Window". A Shield Carried Into Crisis Leaving Home Anna takes the umbrella as she goes toward the woman she believes is injured.

The Umbrella at the Rescue from "The Woman in the Window". A Shield Carried Into Crisis Leaving Home Anna takes the umbrella as she goes toward the woman she believes is injured.

A Shield Carried Into Crisis Leaving Home Anna takes the umbrella as she goes toward the woman she believes is injured. The familiar object gives her a focus as she enters the street and park. The Symbol Changes The umbrella no longer belongs only to therapy practice. It becomes part of Anna’s attempt to put another person’s needs ahead of her own.

A Return to Ordinary Space A Return to Ordinary Space from "The Woman in the Window". Seeing Through the Canopy Moving With Eyes Partly Closed Anna uses the umbrella again as she walks toward the coffee shop.

A Return to Ordinary Space from "The Woman in the Window". Seeing Through the Canopy Moving With Eyes Partly Closed Anna uses the umbrella again as she walks toward the coffee shop.

Seeing Through the Canopy Moving With Eyes Partly Closed Anna uses the umbrella again as she walks toward the coffee shop. She manages exposure by looking in brief, controlled glimpses. The Aid Is Not a Cure The umbrella helps her move but cannot prevent panic or confusion once she reaches the crowded interior. Its usefulness lies in enabling action, not eliminating fear.

Stepping Without the Shield Stepping Without the Shield from "The Woman in the Window". The Garden Door Opens Bina’s Encouragement Bina reminds Anna that she has already crossed frightening thresholds and that the garden is familiar.

Stepping Without the Shield from "The Woman in the Window". The Garden Door Opens Bina’s Encouragement Bina reminds Anna that she has already crossed frightening thresholds and that the garden is familiar.

The Garden Door Opens Bina’s Encouragement Bina reminds Anna that she has already crossed frightening thresholds and that the garden is familiar. She releases Anna’s hand and walks ahead. Agency Without a Prop Anna closes and then opens her eyes before stepping into the light. The movement suggests that she can begin to act without relying entirely on the umbrella.

Late October, during garden practice

Late October, during a therapy session

November 4, after the apparent stabbing

November 8, in the rain

Six weeks later