Counseling In The Film: Good Will Hunting

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Though our society has evolved regarding the profession and need of counseling services, many people remain with the stigma that only individuals who are “crazy” require counseling. For many years, the notion of counseling was rarely linked to or associated with mental health/mental illness. However, due to personal ordeals and societal demands the level, many people suffer with mental illness. There was a point in time where seeking counseling services was taboo. As individuals and a society, we fail to reflect on or are oblivious to the disadvantage of not addressing our mental state if and when necessary. In the film “Good Will Hunting”, I will describe the resistance of the character Will Hunting in building effective and meaningful …show more content…

Sean McGuire had similarities in terms of their feelings. In observing the movie, Sean demonstrates his ability as Will’s therapist to provide him with an encouraging attachment relationship. A bond was developed that enabled Will to create a significant understanding regarding his self worth. With this understanding, Will display an ability to engage and interact effectively with others. According to Hutchinson, the meaning of attachment is “An enduring emotional bond between two people who are important to each other Provides affection and a sense of security” (Hutchinson, 2008, p.546). Examples of this process were the shared experiences of being raised in the same area of South Boston, a similar interest in books, their passion for baseball, and their common experience of having been physically abused in their childhood. In most therapists’ opinion, commonality creates hope for any future connection between therapist and client. While watching the movie, it was evident that shared experiences forced Will to see Sean as a human being, not just another adult trying to hurt him. Patients who are very guarded and defensive, the commonality phase provides them hope of change once …show more content…

In Will’s therapy sessions, Sean conveyed his empathy for Will. According to Myers, “Empathy is the Vicarious experience of another’s feelings; putting oneself in another’s shoes” (Myer, 2002, p.473). Since Sean demonstrated the ability to recognize Will 's indignity and fear, it helped subdue Will 's anxiety and promoted Will’s realistic connection with himself and others. In the Movie, Will recognizes the commonality with Sean allowing him to acknowledge the nurturing relationship that Sean offers. It appears that Sean was the surrogate caregiver that Will never had, satisfying the gaps of Will 's development. Sean 's experiences provided Will with a sense of belonging as Will was provided with insight as to how life should be in an unbroken/normal home. Since Will was never exposed to recognize real intimacy between a man and woman, Sean often shared his loved and experiences from his marriage. This allowed Will to reflect on the closeness of Sean’s marriage and the splendor found in trusting and loving others with all their

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