The emotional equivalent of the experience of marriage counseling in HBO's "Divorce." Not too inviting, huh?
Last night I watched the latest episode of HBO's Divorce starring Sarah Jessica Parker. The series follows her character, Frances, as she is navigating separation and likely divorce from her husband, Robert, played by Thomas Haden Church. The episode, entitled Counseling, follows the unhappy couple into a few sessions with their couples therapist. Now, of course, TV isn't real life, and I realize that writers are looking to put forth storytelling points, not a word-for-word transcript of an actual therapy session. My concern, however, is that a couple in need who may not be therapy-savvy may see this portrayal and be discouraged from reaching out for help.
In the episode, the therapist said very little and did not engage when the couple was clearly struggling to find some path forward. The therapist appeared cold and withdrawn, almost detached, writing away on her notepad. I, and many of my colleagues, approach working with couples in a very different way. We see ourselves as collaborative, looking to enlist all parties' participation in finding solutions, softening defenses, and re-establishing emotional safety and connection. If you are in a relationship that could benefit from some improved communication (and, honestly, who couldn't?), I invite you to consider therapy as a place of hope and help. Even if a note or two gets jotted down.
Questions for you: Have you ever been to couples' therapy? What worked? Was your experience like that of the characters in Divorce, or was it more relational? I'd love to hear your thoughts.
In the episode, the therapist said very little and did not engage when the couple was clearly struggling to find some path forward. The therapist appeared cold and withdrawn, almost detached, writing away on her notepad. I, and many of my colleagues, approach working with couples in a very different way. We see ourselves as collaborative, looking to enlist all parties' participation in finding solutions, softening defenses, and re-establishing emotional safety and connection. If you are in a relationship that could benefit from some improved communication (and, honestly, who couldn't?), I invite you to consider therapy as a place of hope and help. Even if a note or two gets jotted down.
Questions for you: Have you ever been to couples' therapy? What worked? Was your experience like that of the characters in Divorce, or was it more relational? I'd love to hear your thoughts.
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