Psychologists and psychiatrists?

What do psychologists and psychiatrists think about the HBO show In Treatment?

• This is a follow-up question to .

• Answer:

  In the good parts, the series depicts one of the best dynamics of what goes on in therapy, and yes, it can become very boring at times. I have sat through almost the entire hour watching someone, waiting for them to talk. Paul may have been in therapy himself, but was more combative and egocentric for someone who'd done as much therapy as suggested. If the therapist loves the work, then typically is delighted when something is discovered about themselves that was hidden. That's the name of the game. That said, I have known many ego-centered, narcissistic, insecure, psychologist. Many of them were not clinicians though. Great diagnostisians, terrible therapist. It was a shame they showed Paul at level he was depicted. His basic drives were not cleaned up. He was so analytical and combative when he didn't need to be. The shows need to keep tension maybe. He got into dual relationships and blurred boundaries, especially at the end with the other therapist. Too many sexual issues covered his own family dysfunction. I can assure you, all the situations shown have happened in one form or another. Most therapist are confronted with a variation of the stories. Paul was depicted as a very good analyst. What to do with the patient after discovery, became part of the shows tension. Some of his solutions, especially when he was stepping over boundaries, indicated his unfinished business. All in all, if I were still working at the University, I would use this as a training course. Both for demonstrating the good as well as the traps.