Shrinks In Movies

Dr. John Riolo, "The Insider"

Sometimes my colleagues really have no sense of humor. A couple of them are up in arms about how therapists are portrayed in the movies and on TV. One, a prominent owner/moderator of a Yahoo Discussion group has been lamenting lately that our professional organizations don't come up with ways to improve our public image.

Well I'm not sure what our professional organizations can really do about how we are portrayed on the screen. But perhaps part of the problem might be that they don't have the funds to so anything about it. You see my colleague doing all this lamenting seems to be too frugal, some would say too cheap, to actually join one of these professional associations and pay the dues.

Another claims that they are offended by Richard Dreyfus' portrayal in What About Bob? Well it's not the best portrayal of a therapist but it not real and it was funny.

So how are therapists or shrink portrayed in movies and TV?

What are your thoughts about Billy Crystal in Analyze This? Or Bob Newhart? Any shrink in just about any Woody Allen movie?

My favorite all time movie shrink is Dr. Melfi of the Sopranos. Not only is the Sopranos the best show on TV but the therapy scene are priceless. Lorraine Bracco as Dr. Melfi is perfect as a therapist with just the right touch of theory and eclecticism. She seeks appropriate consultation when necessary and can maintain reasonable boundaries. Plus she looks a hell of a lot better than my old therapist. If you have to have a transference reaction to somebody why not her?

So call or write in your favorite shrink on TV or the movies . Call (214) 615-6044--- 8460 Long distance rates may apply. Your telephone call will be converted into an audio file and posted on my Internet Radio Show The Insider http://www.psychinsider.com

Or email me at johnr@psychjourney.com And let us know who is your best or worst shrink and tell us why.

However remember it's not real. It's only on the screen. So if you find yourself offended by any that you don't like, Get over it. Lawyers don't try to get their bar association to protest every time there is a movie about a bad lawyer. And if you can't get over it or get a life perhaps it's time to go back into therapy yourself and get it right this time.

This is John Riolo the Insider.

Listen to the audio of this article at http://psychjourney_blogs.typepad.com/the_insider/

Visit my newest website The Insider's Guide to Law And Ethics In Mental Health http://www.insiderlawethics.com

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