I love therapy and I love media. I usually love it when these two loves are combined. In movies and TV shows, we are exposed to fictional therapists who play a major or minor role in character development and plot. We have met therapists on the screen who are better than others, some representing more accurately the actual therapist-client relationship and some feeling completely unethical. Therapists’ behavior ranges from profound and transformative to dangerous and damaging (to both the character’s life and the public’s perception of therapy). Let’s look at some examples together.
Dr. Jennifer Melfi in The Sopranos
No list of on-screen therapists would be complete without Dr. Melfi. For years, she would be brought up whenever I mentioned I was a therapist, and she was iconic in introducing therapy as a household topic. She mostly maintains professional boundaries despite Tony’s attempts to blur them and demonstrates expertise and empathy. Dr. Melfi is a great example of the challenges therapists can face when experiencing countertransference and ethical dilemmas. Though she becomes more emotionally entangled than she should in Tony’s life, she learns and grows throughout the series.
Key quote: “I think you’re capable of change. But you’re going to have to face what you’ve been running from.”
Dr. Sean Maguire in Good Will Hunting
Dr. Sean Maguire is a warm, empathetic therapist who connects with Will on a deeply personal level. He uses self-disclosure freely and becomes more of a mentor figure. He listens and challenges Will’s defenses, offering both tough love and validation. He shows real vulnerability and meets Will where he’s at.
Key quote: “It’s not your fault.”
Jimmy Laird on Shrinking
Jimmy is a modern example of an on-screen therapist who I always get asked about due to his unconventional approaches and risky interventions. Jimmy is relatable and complex and is deeply invested in his patients’ wellbeing. This investment often leads to boundary violations and becoming overly involved in his patients’ lives. His ability to think outside the traditional realm of treatment is both his biggest strength and weakness throughout the show.
Key quote: “I don’t have the answers, but I can sit with you while you figure it out.”
Sharon Fieldstone in Ted Lasso
Sharon’s character shows a more direct, professional approach to therapy. Though she cares deeply about her patients, she is impeccable with her boundaries and provides a resolute sense of stability and structure. She knows when vulnerability and personality is helpful and when remaining more neutral and objective is needed.
Key quote: “You’ve been here before. You’ve had this fight inside you. And you’ve won.”
Dr. Karen Matthews in Sex Education
Dr. Karen Matthews is open and non-judgmental, helping characters feel more comfortable talking about sex and intimacy. She provides valuable insights and creates a welcoming environment to explore topics that might feel uncomfortable or awkward. She often uses personal examples and is incredibly open with her clients, at times pushing the boundaries between personal and professional. Dr. Matthews, and Sex Education as a whole, help de-stigmatize many topics and conversations surrounding sex, bodies, and sexual health.
Key quote: “You don’t need to be ashamed of who you are or what you want.”
These five therapists all have their strengths and weaknesses, but all demonstrate a genuine care and desire to help. Overall, therapist characters can have a hugely positive impact. Watching therapists on TV and in movies can help us better understand what we do and don’t resonate with in therapy, and it can help us feel more comfortable reaching out for support in the first place. They help normalize mental health struggles and asking for help. If you’re interested in starting therapy, reach out to our Client Care Coordinator to learn which Root to Rise therapist would be the best fit for you.
All the best,
Jessica Leader LMFT
P.S. If you want to watch a real-life example of excellent therapy on TV, check out Dr. Orna Guralnik on Couples Therapy.
P.P.S. Email me with your favorite and least favorite therapists in the media! Let me know who I missed.
