Reel vs. Real Therapy: part i

From dark-themed movies to teen chick flicks, the world of entertainment has portrayed therapy in myriad ways. While some depictions opened up nuanced conversations around mental health and therapy, some led to more stigma and misinformation.

So today, on World Mental Health Day, let's start this series of investigating reel scenes and discuss how real these portrayals are, from a therapist’s POV.

Fleabag

In the 2nd season of Fleabag, there is a scene of a first therapy session. Fleabag is given a therapy voucher as a birthday present by her father, and she ends up at an unnamed therapist’s office.

If you are ever given a voucher gift for therapy, you don’t have to walk into an unnamed office. You have a right to know and ask all your questions like the therapist’s education, approach, style of work, or anything else that concerns you. Make the most of it!

Moving on, the scene starts with the therapist moisturizing her arms and asking to be excused as she has dry arms. While therapists are humans, if you as the client feel uncomfortable with the same, you have the right to let them know.

The therapist soon begins jotting down notes. Now, therapists taking down notes is a common practice. However, in real therapy, the therapist explains the intention behind making notes and the client’s right to access the notes. Clients have the right to ask questions about the notes and it's also common to make notes together in some sessions.

The therapist also comes across as judgemental towards Fleabag’s use of humour or dark humour. In real-life therapy, the therapist is expected to create a space that is curious, safe, and without judgement. However, If you ever feel judged by your therapist, it is your right to bring it up with them. The therapy space is a collaborative, negotiating, relational space where you have a voice.

Normal People

The therapy scene in Normal People is raw and emotional. In this scene, Connell—the protagonist—breaks down when talking about his feelings of alienation and loneliness.

This scene, which stretches for three minutes, is primarily a monologue by Connell. This scene shows the nuance of "witnessing" and active presence. The therapist is entirely present, attuned, actively listening, and expresses empathy through how she holds her body, being aligned and open.

The portrayal beautifully captures what may happen in a real therapy space.

There are many myths about what the therapy process entails. The layers of confidentiality (more in the series ahead), tailoring to every individual person, and different approaches and styles of therapists add to the complexity of the process. However, the rights of a person seeking therapy and the ethical aspects cut across all the above. Follow the series to dissect more reel therapy and be informed, busting myths with us!