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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 15 of 15. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Daisym on July 19, 2008, at 1:27:39
We watched the new episode of Monk of tonight. I was glad they didn't dodge the death of his therapist. I'm not sure I like the new therapist yet...I'll miss Dr. Kroger.
While we were watching, the discussion moved to TV therapists. My son says his is like Dr. Kroger, only much younger. I think mine is exactly like Sidney Freedman, on MASH. He even looks a little like him.
I know we've done this before - but does a TV or movie therapist remind you of yours?
Posted by Dinah on July 19, 2008, at 11:19:08
In reply to TV Therapists, posted by Daisym on July 19, 2008, at 1:27:39
Absolutely Dr. Kroger. Although my therapist isn't as big on incisive interpretations. It's the dapper appearance and the total unflappability that reminds me of him. Along with some of the same facial expressions. I sure wish mine came with that office though. The one with the waterfall.
Oddly enough, it sounds as if Sidney Freedman was a big influence on my therapist's choice of career. I don't find them all that similar. If my therapist has the playful and outrageous side that Sidney showed, he doesn't express it with me. That's possible, since my sense of humor isn't really all that well honed. I'd like Dr. Freedman as a therapist though. He too was laid back and not intrusive.
I'm sure I wouldn't like any therapist Monk saw after Dr. Kroger. I'd need a transition therapist. :) But I don't like the new one much either. He's way more interactive and engaged than Dr. Kroger (or my therapist). Well, engaged isn't the right word. I'm not sure what is. It's not that he doesn't stay in his seat. He does appear to do that. But maybe his personality extends a bit further from his seat than Dr. Kroger's did? He's a bit more expansive? If that makes sense.
I don't like that. I like a laid back therapist, not a lean forward therapist. And that has nothing to do with posture. It's the personality.
Posted by antigua3 on July 19, 2008, at 11:47:34
In reply to TV Therapists, posted by Daisym on July 19, 2008, at 1:27:39
Barbara Streisand in the Prince of Tides. She always looks beautiful, chic and well put together, although inside I know she's not!
No long nails, though, and she'd never fall for Nick Nolte.
antigua
Posted by Midnightblue on July 19, 2008, at 16:37:35
In reply to Re: TV Therapists » Daisym, posted by Dinah on July 19, 2008, at 11:19:08
Dinah,
I was wondering if you watched and what you thought of him. Maybe Monk needs a more involved T to get better? I like the actor who is playing the T. I think he is a good choice. I'm still not sure I like the T yet.
MB
Posted by Dinah on July 19, 2008, at 16:44:48
In reply to Re: TV Therapists » Dinah, posted by Midnightblue on July 19, 2008, at 16:37:35
It could be. I'm judging from my own reaction. But for Monk, yes, it is true that people go from needing one thing in therapy to needing something else entirely.
I can't ever imagine myself being comfortable with anything but the least intrusive sort of therapist. But that's me.
I might love Judd Hirsch's therapist in Ordinary People. But put in the same room with him, I would feel an intense desire to get away.
That being said, I was upset when Natalie replaced Sharona. And maybe I had reason to be at first when the scripts had pretty much been written for the actress who played Sharona. But now when I see the Sharona episodes, I find that I much prefer Natalie's character.
Posted by Dinah on July 19, 2008, at 16:48:03
In reply to Re: TV Therapists » Midnightblue, posted by Dinah on July 19, 2008, at 16:44:48
You know, I think I ought to amend that. My son's play therapist had a large personality, yet she was so warm that I did feel comfortable with her. I don't think there are many like her though.
Posted by Daisym on July 19, 2008, at 19:46:53
In reply to Re: TV Therapists, posted by Dinah on July 19, 2008, at 16:48:03
Not that this is a Monk thread but maybe it is...
It bugged me to no end when the new therapist (name is?) kept refering to Dr. Kroger as Monk's "friend." I liked that he had the painting but he should know that a therapist is so much more than a friend!
I think I'm caught in a big bad transference around this. :)
Posted by Midnightblue on July 19, 2008, at 23:00:16
In reply to Re: TV Therapists » Midnightblue, posted by Dinah on July 19, 2008, at 16:44:48
Dinah,
I think Natalie doesn't "baby" Mr. Monk as much as Sharona did. By the way, we watched three episodes today--still catching up.
MB
Posted by Midnightblue on July 19, 2008, at 23:01:58
In reply to Re: TV Therapists, posted by Daisym on July 19, 2008, at 19:46:53
I miss the waterfall in Dr. Kroger's office. I don't think I like the new office at all.
MB
Posted by healing928 on July 20, 2008, at 11:32:04
In reply to TV Therapists, posted by Daisym on July 19, 2008, at 1:27:39
OMG, i watched the new episode of Monk last night; Monk's new t is so much like my former one. I just switched because of dependency issues, and watching that made me miss him sooooo much... :(
Posted by Dinah on July 20, 2008, at 13:43:07
In reply to Re: TV Therapists, posted by Daisym on July 19, 2008, at 19:46:53
That really bugged me too!!! It was as if he was trying to acknowledge that Monk's loss was bigger than merely a therapist. When it *wasn't* acknowledging that there are few losses bigger than a therapist.
I guess maybe they thought the general audience would relate better to the friend part and wonder what the big deal was about losing a professional health worker.
Posted by healing928 on July 20, 2008, at 14:25:44
In reply to Re: TV Therapists » Daisym, posted by Dinah on July 20, 2008, at 13:43:07
Yes, the new t used the term "friend" a few times. But than my former therapist had issues with my attachment. Its like he didn't want to address it, and than when I did, he got defensive about a theraputic relationship is a temporary relationship. My former t was a jerk on how he handled things in the end; plus, he had some personal issues and cut back the hours he was working. I really don't think T in general know the affects they have on us.
Posted by Dinah on July 22, 2008, at 12:54:46
In reply to TV Therapists, posted by Daisym on July 19, 2008, at 1:27:39
At least half of today's session was talking about how this somehow has reactivated my neediness for my therapist. I asked if he'd mind if I wrapped myself around his ankles. I made him promise not to die. Not to force me to see Hector Elizondo. I told him that I've been thinking he's perfect. Or at least perfect for me. While I have never really thought he was perfect.
He responded perfectly, or perfectly for me, with the tolerance and amusement that really calms me.
He's never seen the show, which made it harder to talk on the topic. I promised to bring him a few Dr. Kroger scenes. He was really intrigued by how much this has upset me, and how much Dr. Kroger must have reminded me of him.
I'm trying to remember my favorite Dr. Kroger memories to bring him. The one where he tells Monk he's always been proud of Monk for not having Trudy stuffed is the one that immediately springs to mind. Or the one with the falling garbage bags.
Does anyone else have any suggestions?
Posted by Midnightblue on July 22, 2008, at 18:13:52
In reply to Re: TV Therapists, posted by Dinah on July 22, 2008, at 12:54:46
Dinah,
I like the one where Dr. Kroger quits because the maid is killed in his office. It shows Dr. Kroger as a whole person with a screwed up son.
MB
Posted by Dinah on July 23, 2008, at 9:43:51
In reply to Re: TV Therapists » Dinah, posted by Midnightblue on July 22, 2008, at 18:13:52
I loved that one! I really identified with Mr. Monk's feelings. I told my therapist about it at the time and he seemed a bit uneasy about the stalking aspect. He didn't say anything about it, but I guess he doesn't think it's totally impossible that I'd stand in the bushes outside his window if he terminated me.
Or maybe he just was uneasy at the more tangible reminder of how much it would affect me.
I'm a bit wary to share that episode without his having the context of knowing the series.
This is the end of the thread.
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