Terapia celebrates its 20th anniversary
Celebrating two decades of psychotherapy and counselling training programmes, Terapia welcomed graduates, trustees, donors, friends and family to a wonderful Gala Ball at the London Marriott Hotel in Swiss Cottage on Saturday 23rd September.
An amazing achievement for the organisation, which was launched by Bozena Merrick in 2003, over 140 people joined the evening to praise the work and success of the last 20 years.
Growing from a single course provider to one of the leading training organisations in child and adolescent psychotherapy and counselling, the evening offered a great reflection back on how much Terapia has achieved.
Guests were greeted with a glass of fizz to start the evening, reuniting many graduates with lecturers and fellow graduates in a heart-warming reception whilst listening to a wonderful performance by a violinist who is also a trainee at Terapia.
Moving in to the grand dining room, the evening began with a lively performance for Terapia A Cappella Singers, a group that both captivated the audience and reflected the atmosphere and excitement in the room.
The evening’s compere, Jonathan Block, welcomed a series of speeches starting with Chair of Trustees, Dipen Shah, followed by CEO Bozena Merrick and Patron, Jonathan Prevezer, whilst diners enjoyed the delicious cuisine provided for the evening.
Each speaker recalled their memories of Terapia over the past 20 years, detailing the story of how the organisation began and how it developed into its extraordinary home at The Bothy in Stephens Gardens, Finchley. A fantastic evolution and one that touched many in the audience, Bozena also took the time to thank all those who had helped the organisation over the past two decades, including her current team and staff.
Entertainment continued throughout the meal, with a puppet show created by Daniel Stolfi titled “Six (or is it Eight?) Therapists in Search of a Client” telling a humorous tale bought to life by current students and life-size models.
Next came a fashion show, showcasing the latest arrivals at The Bothy Charity Shop. Volunteers took to the stage, expertly modelling the themed walks, with clothes being purchased by many in attendance there on the night.
The evening came to a close with a charity auction and raffle, which raised an amazing £5,200 for the Friends of Terapia, a branch of the charity that supports students in training.
Commenting on the evening, CEO Bozena said: “I would like to thank everyone who joined us in celebration of Terapia’s 20th anniversary. The evening was an absolute success and we all felt the love and support in the room”.
“Terapia wouldn’t be what is it today without our team, trustees, lecturers, graduates and students, and I’m so glad we were able to celebrate together.”
Now looking ahead with a newly structured training programme, expansion in facilities at The Bothy and being able to support yet more children and young people through the vital therapeutic work carried out at The Bothy and throughout the community, Terapia has a very exciting future.
