DHUFF MATTHEUS V.

ORTIZ
Polytechnic University of the Philippines
Graduate School
Psychology Department
Sta. Mesa, Manila

ADVANCED PSYCHOTHERAPY
Dr. Hector M. Perez, RPsy

FILM ANALYSIS – GOOD WILL HUNTING (1997)

GUIDE QUESTIONS:

1. Describe the personal attributes of the psychologist who worked with Will’s
work with his personal issues of the past.
Answer:
The therapist who worked with Will in resolving his personal issues can be characterized
as one who knows how to maneuver his life in accordance with his wants and desires. This
is evident in his interactions with Professor Lambeau, whose interactions become a subtle
and frequent mockery of his capabilities and life outcomes. Although Sean (Will's therapist)
become a constant subject of these mockeries, he managed to stand on his principles, life
choices, and vocation. Given the possible opportunities that he might have, he proceeds in
life happily and without regrets. In terms of his characteristics as a counselor, Sean can be
described as a counselor who possesses an accepting aura and a supportive attitude
towards his client’s choices. These were evident in the scene where he argued with
Professor Lambeau about Will Hunting's career choices. As implied in the film, Sean can
also be characterized as an individual who possesses a lot of patience. During his 2 nd
counseling session with Will, they just sit and stare in the whole session. Sean just waited
patiently for Will to open up. With this, Sean showed that he considers his client's
readiness and he is willing to listen to them anytime.

2. Describe the nature of the problem depicted in the film concerning

incongruency.
Answer:
Will Hunting is an orphan who struggles in establishing romantic relationships and making
choices in his life. He had these difficulties because as an orphan he never experienced love.
From that, he never experienced being supported on what he wanted to pursue.
Consequently, this becomes a huge toll on his identity, he never knew what he wanted in
his life. He only knew that he is undeserving of everything and every time he is about to
achieve something, he pushes people out to avoid getting hurt. These were evident when he
lied about his past to his girlfriend, he already assumed that he would not be accepted
when his girlfriend would know about his past. To further avoid this, he breaks up with her
in advance before his girlfriend would know everything about him. Applying Rogerian
concept of incongruence Will hunting created a fictional ideal self that serves him as a
facade to everyone and from that, he continually denied his real identity through
establishing shallow relationships with others.

3. In relating the movie to the person-centered approach of Carl Rogers,

describe any techniques employed by the psychologist in working with Will’s
issues of the past.
Answer:
Sean employed the three core conditions (empathy, unconditional positive regard, and
congruence) needed in a client-centered counseling session. As depicted in the film, Sean
continuously provided Will with a lot of emphatic understanding especially when they
shared each other's experiences of abuse, he communicated perfectly what is it like to be
abused and how this has impacted her childhood. From that, Sean showed his humanness
to Will and made Will to open and change for the better. As also depicted in the film, Sean
has demonstrated empathy to everyone in a very subtle way, he can always provide an
affirmation that he felt and understood the feelings of others through mimicry of some
statements and responding in advance before someone has completed their statements. In
terms of unconditional positive regard, Sean does not object to Will's decisions. As long as
he sees that his client is aware of his goals and desires, Sean supported it. Lastly, in terms of
congruence, Sean is aware of his feelings and that he communicated it with Will whenever
he felt that Will is just playing around or not serious about what they are doing.

4. Discuss the importance of being authentic with the experience in the

context of the therapy for the psychologist and client.
Answer:
Practically speaking, authenticity, is very important in a therapeutic relationship because a
therapist cannot expect genuine responses from fake inputs. Clients as also human would
identify non-genuineness from their therapist and from that clients would find difficulty in
putting up their trust in the therapeutic relationship. Instead of making the client open up
about their feelings, inauthentic therapists/counselors would just contribute to the
negative perception of clients towards others. Consequently, the lack of authenticity would
either cause the therapy to terminate prematurely or make the therapy a long difficult
process.
5. Discuss your personal reflexivity regarding this film in relation to the
humanistic nature of psychotherapy
Answer:
This film is highly recommended for students who are interested in client-centered
therapy. The film offers a simplistic view of what a counselor/therapist should be. The
scenes do not only embody the core conditions needed for effective therapy but also teach
the viewers how is it like to be a good human being. Further, the film also offers the
viewers a positive outlook toward viewing another person. It teaches the viewers that
humans are born good under growth-inducing conditions.