Two things have increased dramatically since Covid. The awareness of mental health issues and the use of streaming services. Here is a way to combine both.
The actor Jonah Hill takes front and backstage as both interviewer and director in his innovative documentary and possibly love letter to his eclectic psychiatrist Phil Stutz. The film aptly named Stutz, is intended to expose a larger audience to a specific set of tools and expose others who may be reluctant to discuss such issues as a safe platform to explore.
As a daughter of both a psychologist and a psychoanalyst, analysis and open discussion is part of the air I breathe. When my mother converted our living room to a place where she saw her patients, I learned at an early age that people had problems, real problems and they needed someone to talk to – or yell to – but they had to let it out.
What resonated with me about this particular type of therapy was the unique and immediate approach to it. Let’s face it – we are in a mental health crisis in this country and there isn’t always the time to sit back on a couch and disseminate our woes. Sometimes people need immediate action.
In an approach that feels part cognitive therapy part The Secret, simple techniques are used to help the patient self-actualize. And Stutz practices what he preaches. A knower of loss, when his own brother died at the age of three and someone currently dealing with Parkinson’s, he shows first-hand how to cope with what life may throw at you.
I have always held mixed feelings about therapy myself and Mr. Hill states it beautifully. Most therapists are trained to listen and not offer advice while our friends (who are idiots) who often know little about the intricacies of the mind often solicit advice. Here the therapist speaks.
Stutz and Hill have a comfortable relationship with each other. They sit in a black-and-white setting discussing real issues, joking, and using simple diagrams to help people move on in their lives. The ones that stuck out for me was what Stutz termed “The Life Force” a simple pyramid-like model where three things need to be focused on in this order, your own body, people, and yourself. That simply focusing on your diet, exercise, and sleep patterns can elevate your life. Interacting with people and writing in a journal can help us find meaning. Of course, it is more complex than that, but it gives a tangible starting point. So much in our society is based on looks and appearance and we often misconstrue the importance of proper nutrition and self-care.
Sometimes it helps just being vulnerable and both participants bravely were. Mr. Hill is well known and often can’t seem to escape being a husky kid. As someone who deals with weight issues myself, especially at the vulnerable time of 14 when the world either loves you or rejects you, I listened with bionic ears to such advice. Those areas of shame, referred to as our shadows are actually a real part of ourselves. Love them too. Bring them into your present. See if you don’t feel a giant exhale.
I don’t want to give away all the secrets of the film, but I do believe it is something you need to watch for yourself. Once maybe twice to hear each subtle piece of advice. Stutz in no way offers a magic formula, but a realistic approach to balancing and accepting life’s process. Essentially there will always be three basic aspects to life: pain, uncertainty, and constant work. And yet we spend our lives trying to avoid at least one of the trilogies. From this, I am reminded of the Japanese approach to life and beauty. The need for the beautiful lotus flower that can only grow through the dirty muck. Life is a series of obstacles that we continue to overcome. Sometimes we can’t do it on our own. We have friends and family to support us, and our mindsets. But I promise you after watching about 90 minutes of two men talking openly about dealing with life’s struggles, you will be better for it. And probably save a few k on traditional therapy.
One of the maxims Stutz uses in his sessions is “Ok, entertain me.” And this documentary definitely did. But more importantly, it informed me that there is a way to feel less anxious in the world at a time when I needed it most.
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