NYT: The Decline of the On-Screen Therapist
July 27th, 2009 |
A GoodTherapy.org News Update
A recent exploration in the New York Times covers the standing of the on-screen psychotherapist, a classic role that seems to have been deteriorating for quite a while, despite a surge of interest in and use of therapeutic services. From illustrious beginnings depicting therapists as highly educated and insightful characters to modern representations that seem to delight in tearing down the credibility of the therapist, roles on television and in films have become less interested in the basics of psychotherapy, and far more focused on complex and often antagonistic characters that are somehow connected with the mental health professions.
As its case in point, the Times article points to Dr. Hannibal Lecter, the infamous flesh-eating villian from the popular film series initiated by Silence of the Lambs. Following the popularity of this character, who combines sometimes Freudian insights with a brutal and extremely violent “dark side,” creative media outlets have fashioned many other therapists who probably wouldn’t meet modern professional standards. Citing an upcoming movie in which actor Kevin Spacey portrays a drug and alcohol abusing therapist providing off-beat care to his clients, the article questions whether the decline of the on-screen therapist is a result of the need to deconstruct a profession often aimed at deconstructing its clients, or a simple and natural evolution of an archetype.
Though the article may prove true in describing the direction of mental health professionals on television and the silver screen, growing acceptance of psychotherapy and an increase in the number of people actively seeking treatment and exploring options for a deeper investigation of the self suggest that the phenomenon is strictly limited to what goes on in front of the camera.
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5 comments so far
It’s always bothered me to see how therapists are portrayed in popular media, typically focusing on the therapist’s flaws and neurosis. It only serves to give therapists a bad wrap and to discourage people who might benefit from therapy from ever making the call. Don’t you agree?
Oh no! Does that mean that my Dr Phil show is over? Where ever wil I get my advice from now? :-)
I think most of my friends in med school dont want to take psychiatry as an option. This is possibly because of the prejudice that exists about stereotyping all psychiatrists as an offshoot of hannibal lester or of a different kind of madness.
There have been numerous times throughout my career that I too have been very disappointed with the ways in which therapists have been portrayed onscreen. Most people are wary of beginning therapy at all, and when they see these common misconceptions about therapy brought to life on both the small and the big screen that only adds to their concern about seeking professional treatment. Most good therapists are in that profession to help, not hinder anyone, and it certainly is not about the money! We do what we do because we care, and that is the bottom line that needs to be addressed.
Being a therapist I believe is quite similar to being a priest. It is not easy and it can be very difficult personally but it is one of the most satisfying careers to choose. Doing it for the money may not be of much relevance in today’s scenario.