The 2010s saw a surge in reality shows centered around the lives of wives, and "Mob Wives" was a notable entry. This docu-series offered a glimpse into the world of Italian-American women whose husbands were incarcerated for mob-related offenses.
The show's core cast included Drita D'Avanzo, Carla Facciolo, Karen Gravano, and Renee Graziano, daughter of the notorious Bonanno crime family consigliere Anthony Graziano. "Mob Wives" showcased the complexities of their relationships, the inherent drama in their lives, and their often-unfiltered interactions.
Therapist Kelly Gorsky recounted to Fox News Digital how she became involved with the show. A producer contacted her seeking a therapist capable of handling a "complicated" individual for potential on-screen treatment.

Renee Graziano, daughter of a prominent figure in the Bonanno crime family, became a central figure on "Mob Wives." (Getty Images)
Gorsky, who has run her own private practice since 2007, accepted the challenge. Season One of "Mob Wives," which drew over a million viewers per episode, featured recorded therapy sessions between Gorsky and Graziano.
The experience, Gorsky explained, taught her valuable lessons in composure, self-regulation, and maintaining professionalism even in challenging therapeutic situations.
A significant storyline during the first season revolved around Graziano's ex-husband, Hector "Junior" Pagan, being revealed as an FBI informant against her father. The show documented Graziano processing this difficult revelation with Gorsky.

Graziano's therapy sessions with Kelly Gorsky were a key part of the first season of "Mob Wives." (Jeff Spicer)
Gorsky noted that the production team had full control over which parts of the 50-minute therapy sessions were aired. While acknowledging the unique experience, she chose not to participate in subsequent seasons, questioning the therapeutic value of sessions recorded for entertainment purposes.
"Mob Wives" ultimately ran for six seasons, concluding shortly after the death of cast member Angela "Big Ang" Raiola.

Gorsky's work with Graziano on television highlighted the complexities of therapy in the public eye. (Loreen Sarkis)
Gorsky has since authored "Anger Management: 101," a book drawing on her experiences and offering practical strategies for managing anger. She emphasizes that anger itself is a normal emotion signaling a problem, but managing it effectively is crucial.

The revelation of Junior's role as an informant created a significant emotional challenge for Graziano during the show's first season. (Slaven Vlasic)
Gorsky advocates for proactive anger management, encouraging individuals to anticipate potential conflicts and plan their responses rather than reacting impulsively.
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