As a therapist myself (not psychoanalytical), I think this series comes the closest to depicting a real therapy session that I have yet to see on television. Yet, it has its flaws. To wit: What clinician, in his right mind, would leave prescription meds in a client bathroom? Also, the characters of Paul and Gina follow the stereotypical image of the therapist as detached and soft-spoken with bland affect. I don't know of any colleague (myself included) who doesn't infuse her/his sessions with humor, emotion, and most important, empathy. These are important tools that help us connect with our clients. There may be hope for Paul, however, as in Session Four with the gymnast, he managed to show anger when she told him she'd been taken advantage of by her date.
Finally, there is the usual assumption that therapists are upscale (check out Paul's and Gina's respective digs). Psychology, Social Work, and Professional Counseling are arguably the lowest paid of all professions.
I would love to see a competing series about a therapist who works out of a cramped office in a bare-bones non-profit agency, and drives to work in a second-hand Yugo. This therapist would, of course, also share a laugh and a a tear with the clients from time to time.
Finally, there is the usual assumption that therapists are upscale (check out Paul's and Gina's respective digs). Psychology, Social Work, and Professional Counseling are arguably the lowest paid of all professions.
I would love to see a competing series about a therapist who works out of a cramped office in a bare-bones non-profit agency, and drives to work in a second-hand Yugo. This therapist would, of course, also share a laugh and a a tear with the clients from time to time.