[mightaswelllive]

Who watches? How does it make you feel? What about other shows based around therapy/mental illness - Being Erica, Head Case, United States of Tara, dare I say.. Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew, Bob Newhart Show(ok, so yes, I know it hasn't been on in like 30 years..) etc..

I'm really drawn to therapy shows.. it's probably just that I relate to them. I mean I'm not spending much time in a police station or a hospital, but I spend at least 2 hours a week in therapy - I guess it makes sense that I'm into therapy shows.

In Treatment in particular bugs me out though. For a TV representation of therapy.. it is spot on. So raw and so real. I feel like I contemplate parts of my therapy after every episode. It actually feels kind of voyeuristic to watch. Imagine if you sat in on all of your therapist's other clients sessions, their own personal sessions with their therapist, and then watched parts of their personal life unfold. I feel like this show has the ability to make people that know about therapy (from any perspective - client, therapist, supervisor, family member of client, family member of therapist, etc) feel uncomfortable at some point because it's written and directed with such precision.

So weird. Definitely curious if T watches/what T thinks

[jilliebeanmn]

I watch In Treatment. Part of me agrees that much of it "feels" real, but on the other hand there are parts that just don't. It sometimes feels like the T allows quite a bit of HIS transference to sessions, for example when he took that girl to chemo.

I can't imagine my therapist acting like the way he does sometimes...

But, I agree, I am hooked on the show!

[bpd mess]

We don't have HBO. Maybe that's why I've never heard of some of those shows. That would be interesting to watch. My mom had cancer this spring and everytime one of the doctor shows had a cancer patient on it, I was glued to the set. I would probably be the same way watching a show about therapy/mental illness.

[jexa]

I love therapy shows! And I definitely am in love with In Treatment -- I devour that show. But of course you're a psychology student AND a person with significant experience in therapy -- it makes sense you love shows like this (just as it makes sense for me).

I agree with jilliebean that Paul allows too much of his own transference into sessions.. he's definitely a flawed therapist, though I think he means well and has provided much healing to his clients. I actually relate more to the show because of his flaws. Like you said, so raw - so real.

[sittingatwatersedge]

Originally Posted by mightaswelllive

It actually feels kind of voyeuristic to watch.

..........................then why do it..............

[Dr.Muffin]

i LOVE therapy shows! i was always a fan of them even when i was a kid...in fact, i hope to one day have a private practice in my home much like Jason Seaver (Growing Pains)...

i never watched newhart, but one that i did love was Dr. Katz (animated show) and his celebrity clients...he was a terrible therapist and i thought it was hilarious! im a big fan of Head Case too...i own both seasons and her ridiculousness amuses me to no end. i havent seen united states of tara, but friends and colleagues of mine tell me that i would love it.

i think In Treatment is a fantastic show. its so riveting! i wish i still had HBO i havent seen it in a long time. the fact that a show that is focused mainly on two people and there's nothing but dialogue, can be so enthralling is really a testament to the actors.

i *heart* Dr. Drew...im not generally a fan of tv therapists (like reality show style) but for some reason, i like him. i work in a sex addiction treatment facility so i was super interested in watching Dr. Drew's sex rehab! Dr. Drew was good, but um...yeah, i dont work in a celebrity facility! lol

[jexa]

Originally Posted by Dr.Muffin

i LOVE therapy shows! i was always a fan of them even when i was a kid...in fact, i hope to one day have a private practice in my home much like Jason Seaver (Growing Pains)...

i never watched newhart, but one that i did love was Dr. Katz (animated show) and his celebrity clients...he was a terrible therapist and i thought it was hilarious! im a big fan of Head Case too...i own both seasons and her ridiculousness amuses me to no end. i havent seen united states of tara, but friends and colleagues of mine tell me that i would love it.

i think In Treatment is a fantastic show. its so riveting! i wish i still had HBO i havent seen it in a long time. the fact that a show that is focused mainly on two people and there's nothing but dialogue, can be so enthralling is really a testament to the actors.

i *heart* Dr. Drew...im not generally a fan of tv therapists (like reality show style) but for some reason, i like him. i work in a sex addiction treatment facility so i was super interested in watching Dr. Drew's sex rehab! Dr. Drew was good, but um...yeah, i dont work in a celebrity facility! lol

Ooooh Head Case was AMAZING!

[sunrise]

***First, and most important, is there a new season of In Treatment that is on right now???*** If so, I want to add HBO again. (Or are they showing repeats now?) I watched the first 5 free episodes of season 1, and the entire 2nd season. I really liked the show. I don't mind that Paul isn't perfect--that part is right on, because no therapist is. I found it disturbing when that blonde woman from season 2 forced her way into Paul's kitchen and sat at his table to eat her pastries and coffee. I wanted Paul to hold his boundary firm and not let her invade his home life! He just seemed so overwhelmed by her and too passive. I find it interesting to see how Paul handles situations and think how my T would do it differently (or the same). It also made me wonder if my T has clients like the ones that Paul has. Some of them are quite a handful!

I am not familiar with Head Case or united states of tara or the others, but I would be interested. Are those current shows? If so, what network? The idea of a celebrity rehab sounds yucky to me so I don't want to check that one out. I'm not very interested in celebrities.

[Dr.Muffin]

i do believe that there is a current season of In Treatment in progress....i'll have to check to make sure though!

yep, just looked online...this is season 3

[jilliebeanmn]

Sunrise-

Yes, the new season started a couple weeks ago

[Melbadaze]

I watched mosr of the first series, but it seemed to loose its way, could have been very promising otherwise.

[seventyeight]

i enjoy In Treatment as well! i'm still getting caught up on season 2, although i didn't really see all of season 1. i do think it's voyeristic, but i don't think that's necessarily a negative thing. it's really nice to be able to watch the dynamics play out, and while i know it's not "real," it's the closest i'll get to seeing what someone else's therapy session is like.

great post MAWL!

[geez]

Thank you so much for posting this thread!!! I have a friend who loves the show and bought season 1. She just gave me season 1 yesterday to watch. Sounds interesting I can't wait to watch it.

[mightaswelllive]

Originally Posted by sittingatwatersedge

..........................then why do it..............

I'm assuming you're asking because of the sexual connotation that is typically attached to the word? I am actually glad you asked this. Perhaps I should be more careful when I use this term. I guess I need to be clear that in this situation, when I am referring to voyeurism it isn't in a sexual way - more in an uncomfortable over-hearing sort of way (and that is a correct usage of the word).

If you mean otherwise.. I watch the show because there is a lot to learn from it. I studied psychology and I plan to continue studying psychology so I am naturally drawn to people watching, interactions, and relationships - both in reality and representationally.

Do you feel uncomfortable in public when you over-hear a personal family conversation or when people are arguing? How likely are you to stop listening? I usually feel uncomfortable but it is still hard to stop listening. I don't feel incorrect in assuming that many people share this experience.

The feelings this show brings out are not unlike what I have described. I think the difference between the interactions on this show and for example, Grey's Anatomy, comes from the writing, cinematography, etc. By design, this show elicits the a participation feeling while Grey's Anatomy evokes the feeling of watching. I am impressed by the intellectual detail that goes into producing In Treatment. It tells me the writers, directors, actors, cinematographers, producers, editors, etc take pride in their work. My interest in quality film and television probably does not transcend to everyone - but then again, art supports itself.

So. Why do I watch even though I feel like a voyeur? I am interested in the content, impressed by the craft, and perhaps the most important - I'm just not afraid of feeling feelings anymore.

[mightaswelllive]

Originally Posted by jilliebeanmn

It sometimes feels like the T allows quite a bit of HIS transference to sessions, for example when he took that girl to chemo.

I can't imagine my therapist acting like the way he does sometimes...

Originally Posted by jexa

I agree with jilliebean that Paul allows too much of his own transference into sessions.. he's definitely a flawed therapist, though I think he means well and has provided much healing to his clients. I actually relate more to the show because of his flaws.

Just a note of interest.. my old T went with me to the doctor once ( but really just kidding about the shock and awe smiley). Paul definitely had some counter-transference issues going on when he did that, but there are definitely situations where a T is just acting in their patient's best interest - for example committing a patient that is a danger to others/self. I think in this situation, in addition to being supportive to a client, Paul was doing something very similar to committing a suicidal client. But then again.. maybe his situation is just bringing up some transference for me

Originally Posted by sunrise

***First, and most important, is there a new season of In Treatment that is on right now???*** If so, I want to add HBO again.

Season 3 started the last week of October. Just so you know though.. you can watch free online if you do a bit of searching...

[/quote] I am not familiar with Head Case or united states of tara or the others, but I would be interested. Are those current shows? If so, what network? The idea of a celebrity rehab sounds yucky to me so I don't want to check that one out. I'm not very interested in celebrities. [/quote]

Head Case - Starz
United States of Tara - Showtime
Being Erica - Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (not sure about other places but I know it's on Soapnet in the US)

Also, if you really need more therapy shows.. one of the main characters on Private Practice (ABC) is a psychiatrist and she's had some really crazy stuff.

(and again.. you can probably find all of these online)

Originally Posted by seventyeight

it's really nice to be able to watch the dynamics play out, and while i know it's not "real," it's the closest i'll get to seeing what someone else's therapy session is like.

I totally agree with this! It is kind of comforting to see other people working through their crazy. It makes me feel much better about the content of my therapy session!

Originally Posted by Dr.Muffin

i think In Treatment is a fantastic show. its so riveting! i wish i still had HBO i havent seen it in a long time. the fact that a show that is focused mainly on two people and there's nothing but dialogue, can be so enthralling is really a testament to the actors.

Totally agree! Thank you!

[notablackbarbie]

I love watching these shows too because a) i can relate & b) i wish i was as brave to approach and deal with issues so vicserally (sp?). This is especially true with IN TREATMENT & BEING ERICA. (FYI= theres also INTERVENTION - A&E, X-WEIGHTED -also Canadian, & THE CLEANER - canceled show on A&E) But i do prefer to watch these shows by myself because its easier to get pissed off at myself for not doing more in therapy without my mom popping in with "if this upsets you so much, why do you keep watching? Why not watch a comedy or just give yourself a break - its TV!?!?" Yet i cant watch movies with such heavy exploration, struggle and self-reflection...i can bawl my eyes out/feel guilty about being so voyeuristic after an episode on tv. But curl up in a ball & avoid ALL discussion of "FOR COLOURED GIRLS" or "PRECIOUS" or "LARS & THE REAL GIRL" or "SOMEWHAT OF A FUNNY STORY" among others...

[velcro003]

I absolutely LOVE this show, and especially Tuesday nights. Jesse and Adele are my favorite ones. I find it hard to relate to it because all of these patients are so more upfront with their feelings than I am, even Sunil. It makes me very uncomfortable to see Jesse so angry and take it out on his mother or Paul, but also very riveting.

I also LOVE U.S of Tara. A really excellent show in itself, and the little bit of therapy is just the icing on the cake

I've never heard of Head Case and Being Erica.

[bpd2]

I watched the whole first season, with my husband. My therapist suggested it as a way to see what therapy is like for a therapist---but to remember that it is TV, with extra drama, etc. And, I was to watch it with my husband.

Well.....I found it mostly disturbing. I got too involved with the characters; so maybe it is really good TV!

So, I'm not watching the second season. I need to stay away from emotional drama. I find the married couples really sad, by the way.

[SenatorPenguin8081]

Originally Posted by mightaswelllive

I'm assuming you're asking because of the sexual connotation that is typically attached to the word? I am actually glad you asked this. Perhaps I should be more careful when I use this term. I guess I need to be clear that in this situation, when I am referring to voyeurism it isn't in a sexual way - more in an uncomfortable over-hearing sort of way (and that is a correct usage of the word).

If you mean otherwise.. I watch the show because there is a lot to learn from it. I studied psychology and I plan to continue studying psychology so I am naturally drawn to people watching, interactions, and relationships - both in reality and representationally.

Do you feel uncomfortable in public when you over-hear a personal family conversation or when people are arguing? How likely are you to stop listening? I usually feel uncomfortable but it is still hard to stop listening. I don't feel incorrect in assuming that many people share this experience.

The feelings this show brings out are not unlike what I have described. I think the difference between the interactions on this show and for example, Grey's Anatomy, comes from the writing, cinematography, etc. By design, this show elicits the a participation feeling while Grey's Anatomy evokes the feeling of watching. I am impressed by the intellectual detail that goes into producing In Treatment. It tells me the writers, directors, actors, cinematographers, producers, editors, etc take pride in their work. My interest in quality film and television probably does not transcend to everyone - but then again, art supports itself.

So. Why do I watch even though I feel like a voyeur? I am interested in the content, impressed by the craft, and perhaps the most important - I'm just not afraid of feeling feelings anymore.

Grays Anatomy is not realistic though-- I know because I worked for a hospital; the ER, inpatient general medicine, etc for a couple of years as a college thing. I saw a very intimate look at a major metropolitan center in many different departments.

I have seen my T like 2 years now, in addition to seeing other T's in the past who didn't work out. I can say that the show "In Therapy" is VERY realistic. I don't feel like a voyeur at all, although I have heard other people do. I gain insight into my own emotions and actions from watching the show, and it certainly helps that it becomes even more realistic for me because the actor who plays Paul looks an awful lot like my own therapist.

[SenatorPenguin8081]

Originally Posted by bpd2

I watched the whole first season, with my husband. My therapist suggested it as a way to see what therapy is like for a therapist---but to remember that it is TV, with extra drama, etc. And, I was to watch it with my husband.

Well.....I found it mostly disturbing. I got too involved with the characters; so maybe it is really good TV!

So, I'm not watching the second season. I need to stay away from emotional drama. I find the married couples really sad, by the way.

True; some episodes are really triggering and disturbing, but that's just like real life (triggering and disturbing at times). I had a hard time watching that kid Sophie in Season 1. That was disturbing to me. But, I can say I also learned a lot from those episodes too. It's good to step outside of our comfort zone every now and then.

[SenatorPenguin8081]

Originally Posted by velcro003

I absolutely LOVE this show, and especially Tuesday nights. Jesse and Adele are my favorite ones. I find it hard to relate to it because all of these patients are so more upfront with their feelings than I am, even Sunil. It makes me very uncomfortable to see Jesse so angry and take it out on his mother or Paul, but also very riveting.

I also LOVE U.S of Tara. A really excellent show in itself, and the little bit of therapy is just the icing on the cake

I've never heard of Head Case and Being Erica.

I have DirecTV, is that what you have? I really want to watch the third season but I need to order HBO to do so because otherwise I can only catch up by watching Season 1 and Season 2. The episodes with Jesse I have seen vignettes of and look REALLY intriguing!

Anyone know a cheap way to get Season 3 if you don't have HBO?

[zooropa]

I can't watch In Treatment any more, it makes me think too much about my own therapy. Thinking too much about therapy is already a significant problem for me, I don't need any help in that arena.

that said, it is a good show!

Anyone know a cheap way to get Season 3 if you don't have HBO?

sidereel.com

[jexa]

Originally Posted by SenatorPenguin8081

I have DirecTV, is that what you have? I really want to watch the third season but I need to order HBO to do so because otherwise I can only catch up by watching Season 1 and Season 2. The episodes with Jesse I have seen vignettes of and look REALLY intriguing!

Anyone know a cheap way to get Season 3 if you don't have HBO?

Yep! It's not exactly legal per se but, you can download pretty much ANY TV show, including In Treatment, on eztv, for free.

http://eztv.it/showlist/

You will have to get a torrent downloader to be able to download from this site. I recommend BitTorrent, a free program.

http://www.bittorrent.com/btusers/download

The files on eztv are avi files, so you'll need to get a decoder to be able to watch them on Windows Media Player. Follow the instructions at this link.

http://www.lancelhoff.com/how-to-pla...-media-player/

That's it!

[SenatorPenguin8081]

So... I got tired of waiting to watch season 3 (since watching the show makes me feel better about myself and gives me direction in therapy)...

so... I up and ordered HBO tonight! Wouldn't you know it, as soon as it came on (less than 1 minute from ordering), an episode of "In Treatment" was in progress

The one I really identify with this season is Jesse, which is because I have some bad ADHD and some strange and similar family problems like he does (only I wasn't adopted). I can't wait to the newest Jesse episode... I remember feeling the exact way he does on some things!

Thanks for letting me talk about my emotions on here you guys.