A Therapists’ Documentary
Have you noticed that most Hollywood depictions of the therapist-client relationship are unsettling renditions of reality? Specifically the films, What About Bob? (1991) and Bad Therapy (2020) come to mind. However, recently I watched a documentary that more accurately depicts some of the complex work therapists and clients undergo in their endeavor to improve emotional health. I was moved after watching Stutz, the 2022 documentary directed by Jonah Hill portraying his own relationship with his psychitrist, Dr. Phil Stutz. This poignant and yet controversial documentary unmasks the true healing potential within the therapeutic relationship.
As an LMFT, I notice the complexities of sharing my profession with social aquaintances. I find myself putting my ‘human’ foot forward when meeting people. If I lead with my profession some people become reserved or exposing, others ask probing questions akin to, Which clients do I dislike the most? In all, one can attribute some of this stigma to the Hollywood depiction of the traditionally private relationship between therapist and client.
Stutz neither mocks nor mystifies this relationship. Jonah deeply unveils his vulnerability throughout this factual film—at one point turning the documentary upside down by revealing his fears had kept him from being honest. Dr. Stutz remains patient throughout, with unconditional positive regard. He is flexible and yet challenging. He displays confidence in the treatment plan while never losing the rapport that is essential to growth and safety in relationships. Jonah, in turn, gains tools and relational depth within the therapeutic bond that help him to begin healing.
The controversial component is the inherent dual relationship for Dr. Stutz and Jonah as they make a documentary together. Through this process, Dr. Stutz reveals personal information not typically shared with a client. The Psychiatrist has ‘the tables turned’ in his role with Jonah as the director. It is also clear that by revealing himself to Jonah, Dr. Stutz experiences personal growth (similar to what one might see in the therapeutic relationship). There was risk in making this documentary and I ask, Would you do it? Professionally, my answer is probably not. However, I cannot help but wonder if the dual relationship was worth the therapeutic gain for Jonah who unmasked his fears and longing for approval through the process of filming. It was as if the production of this documentary was an experiential component to the therapeutic work, ultimately revealing deeper unconscious material—Hooray Hollywood!!
As I now review my conclusions, I have become aware of the accusations of emotional abuse and sexual assault by Jonah Hill. Should I have enjoyed this documentary as much as I did? I answer this question with mixed feelings. Truthfully, its uncomfortable to highlight any film (fact or fiction) that is directed by an accused. However, this doucmentary felt worth discussing given the cultural implications it has in Hollywood and popular culture—this is what our clients, the public, will watch and learn about our profession. This revealing documentary certainly illustrates the humanity—inherent imperfections—in us all. Yet, despite these imperfections, it documents and dignifies the potential to heal within the therapeutic relationship.
