Prime

#primemovie

All us professionals for whom principles of privilege and confidentiality apply to the relationship with client or patient like to think that clients\patients exist in a separate world from that of our social and business contacts. This film contradicts that notion plausibly, even in the small town where it takes place: New York City.

Meryl Streep plays a psychotherapist with "MS, CSW" behind her name on the plaque on the door to her office, which lies next door to her home. She realizes that her son has begun a love relationship with her patient before either of them knows the connection. The patient shows no signs of mental illness but seems to have been seeking support through her divorce. No psychoanalyst, Streep serves facing her patient and supports her in pursuing a love relationship with a younger man. Meanwhile at home she discourages her son's relationship with an older shiksa. Both of them lie to Streep about the extent of the age difference.

We see parts of about six psychotherapy sessions. When Streep realizes her predicament she becomes increasingly anxious during the sessions. Her patient notices and comments on her discomfort. During a later session Streep hides a photograph of her son.

Illustrates the apparent power to influence the outcome of a love relationship stemming partly from the therapeutic relationship and partly from the secret.

To Streep what's best for patient clashes with what is best for child. Which should be her priority? Does she have a choice? In contrast to Prince of Tides where the psychiatrist chooses to transgress a boundary Streep's predicament was thrust upon her.

Could this lead to malpractice suit? Is it so different from sexual misconduct?

Suppose you're the patient: When would you expect your psychotherapist to tell you you're dating her son?

Suppose you're the psychotherapist: What would you do? When? For the psychotherapist to tell her son he's dating her patient would breach confidentiality, so her only ethical options are to wait and see, stop the treatment with no explanation or to tell the patient. Streep seems to do the right thing in seeking advice from another psychotherapist, but there seems to be no right answer.

boundaries | psychotherapy | psychotherapist