Stutz
Everyone’s been raving about the show “Stutz” featuring Jonah Hill and his therapist. Our clients have all been telling us, it’s a must-watch!
Jonah Hill is passionate about making the tools his therapist uses with clients more widely available, and it’s an incredible journey. He has created a “toolbox” that is filled with valuable resources and stories that will help people in their own lives. It’s absolutely captivating to watch this relationship unfold, as he hopes to create a lasting impact on how we approach mental health struggles in our society today.
The Mindfulness Center’s motto, if you will, is “Tools for Your Toolbox to Cope with Life Stressors.” This statement encapsulates the idea that each of our therapists has their own tools and strategies to help clients understand concepts more easily and motivate them towards change. It serves as a reminder that there are simple ways to make progress in life quickly!
Additionally, there are plenty of different themes and storylines throughout the show.
Client-Therapist Bond
The client-therapist bond plays a major role in successful therapy. The connection between Jonah Hill and his therapists is particularly fascinating because it has both advantages and disadvantages, as well as areas where we may need to supplement elsewhere.
Jonah Hill expressed an invaluable thought that really resonated with me, he said…
“I listened to my friends and they give me advice, but I pay a therapist to listen and they should be reversed”
We ask our clients “What would you like me to be as a therapist?” – someone with whom you can simply express yourself and feel secure? Or something else? It appears that this expectation is not the same for everyone.
Providing Tools
Many clients tell say that they want to move forward and need the necessary tools to do so. This sentiment really lends itself to Stutz’s approach: he understands when someone like Jonah Hill needs something more than just advice in order to progress – they need tangible results.
Clients are paying us to create something tangible, and then move forward. This reminds me of Stutz’s comment on mentorship when he asked ‘how can we help them get better?’
The psychiatrist said that treatment was focused on long-term therapy, which is the opposite of what we focus on in our mindfulness center. My goal as a provider here is to give clients tools they can use going forward – resources they can draw upon for any situation or challenge.
Therapy Goals
Our goal is to ensure that clients don’t have to be in therapy long-term and can schedule check-ins as needed, whether it’s monthly, yearly, biyearly or even weekly. There isn’t a “right” way.
We are evaluating what kind of progress our clients hope for and how they perceive their success. This is essential to define, as without concrete goals, it can be difficult to determine if we have achieved our desired outcome; in this case, reducing levels of anxiety.
Ultimately, the focus is on understanding how we can reach this broad goal. What methods will help us measure our progress? We may need to experiment with different tools and tactics before finding a successful solution.
Visualization, Tools, and Sketches
Stutz manufactures these pieces of art and provides them to clients.
His explanation of this type of connection with a client truly resonated with us. It is as if we have provided something tangible to them, and they can physically hold onto it. Hearing him explain it further solidified my appreciation for his creative tools and strategies.
Therapist Don’t Have a Magic Wand
This theme was especially prominent in the movie. It is a common misconception that therapists have all the answers and an ideal life outside of therapy hours; however, we must remember that they are humans too with their own issues to sort out. Thus, I hope most therapists remind themselves of this truth to not become overburdened by unrealistic expectations.
Vulnerability Equals Connection
Achieving a true connection with another person is impossible without vulnerability, however, it’s difficult to be vulnerable when you don’t feel completely secure. This may especially ring true with family members – parents, siblings, and grandparents in particular. During the holiday season, we can strive for full authenticity by being open and honest without fear of judgment or rejection. When this happens, a deep level of connection between individuals can be found that was not previously there before!
It’s all about understanding your audience. Will it be welcomed, or will I need to conceal an aspect of myself? Is this a secure place for me to express my true self, or shall I stay quiet in fear of being judged negatively? Let’s look at it another way — when discussing certain topics, is it more beneficial for both parties involved if we remain private and withhold information that could potentially hurt us instead of helping the situation?
A Safe Harbor
Stutz and Jonah’s relationship created a safe environment for the two to build trust, establish connections, and appreciate each other. In this film, another eye-catching theme is that of discomfort; learning how to make friends with it. What are some other themes in this movie that you particularly admire?
The 3 Givens in Life
They particularly focused on three inescapable truths of life: pain, uncertainty, and change. It was a fascinating thought; how can we accept these as unavoidable parts of our lives? Pain, uncertainty, and perpetual growth will be a part of us forever.
In order to effectively manage uncertainty, we must arm ourselves with coping skills – like tools in a toolbox. How do I approach emotional pain or physical distress when the future is foggy? What if my job suddenly ends or my relationship breaks apart? That sort of unpredictability weighs heavily on us. Having the right resources at our disposal enables us to confront any situation with courage and resilience.
The ongoing effort required for success in our lives, be it a job or relationship, can often feel overwhelming. This is why I am drawn back to the book “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck,” which really shows us how we could approach these challenges with an attitude that is less about giving up and more about taking control.
To sum up, it’s not about caring for nothing. It is all about deciding what you actually care deeply for and giving attention to that. If we direct our focus on the unfortunate conditions of life, how can I express this? “What you feed grows,” undoubtedly there will always be suffering, pain, and hard work ahead; but instead of being disheartened by these facts – could we accept them as part of our journey? Can we consciously pick out which challenges to face?
Is Stutz worth the watch?
The movie Stutz encapsulates many important themes that we can all relate to. We are reminded of our own pain and uncertainty while also being encouraged to embrace it as part of life’s journey. The idea of vulnerability equaling connection is a powerful one; let us strive for full authenticity this holiday season by being open and honest without fear or judgment from others. Finally, understanding our audience is essential in order to decide what information to share and when it’s best kept private. We take inspiration from Jonah Hill’s character in the film – who showed courage and resilience despite facing challenging situations – so that we too may develop coping skills to confront anything with strength and grace. Give it a watch and let us know what you think.
