Warning: Contains minor SPOILERS for ShrinkingApple TV+'s comedy-drama Shrinking is causing a stir for its surprisingly controversial content. Ostensibly a show about psychiatry and dealing with the aftermath of grief, the show's depiction of therapy has attracted criticism from some quarters. In particular, the role of Jason Segel's character has come under fire for its unethical representation of the practice as well as providing a questionable picture of the dynamics between therapist and patient.
The premise behind the Harrison Ford and Jason Segel-led series Shrinking sees Segel's Jimmy Laird becoming increasingly disillusioned with his chosen profession. While simultaneously dealing with his grief over the death of his wife, Jimmy sets about tearing up the therapists' rule book – breaching guidelines around personal boundaries, ethical best practices, and everything in between. On the surface, this premise seems like a harmlessly playful twist on traditional representations of psychiatry. However, given the potentially delicate subject – both for characters in the show and the audience – Shrinking is proving surprisingly controversial.
Shrinking Has Issues With Its Depiction Of Therapy
A key issue with Shrinking's representation of therapy and therapists is in its assertion that professional psychiatrists often know exactly what their patients should do and yet are unable to really help because of the ethical restrictions in place. As Segel's Jimmy puts it to Harrison Ford's Dr. Phil Rhodes, "I think I can help people if I get my hands a little dirtier. We know what they should do. Don’t you ever wanna shake them?” Given the delicate and complicated relationship between real therapists and patients, this attitude is proving controversial.
In suggesting that therapists actually have the tools to be more impactful than they often are, Shrinking is making a potentially inflammatory point about the profession as a whole. Unlike physical trauma, mental health problems can be elusive and difficult to articulate. By insinuating that the profession responsible for maintaining good mental health could actually be part of the problem, Shrinking is already treading on potentially dangerous territory. While the generally heartfelt and sincere tone of the series suggests that an all-out attack on psychiatry as a profession was not the primary goal, the end result is still understandably divisive.
Why Jimmy's Methods Of Therapy In Shrinking Could Be Problematic
Jimmy's decision to cast convention aside and take an unorthodox approach to therapy is simultaneously endearing and fraught with risk. While, as outlined by Jason Segel's character, the limitations in place can seem frustrating, they exist for a very good reason. Therapists are in positions of enormous power over their patients. In many cases, those seeking therapeutic care are extremely vulnerable and in need of . It's therefore essential that any therapist maintains strict boundaries in order to avoid blurring the lines between personal and professional. Jimmy's methods in Apple TV+'s Shrinking – including collecting rent and crashing a patient's date – clearly overstep the mark on several occasions.
There's also a risk that, in showing both Jimmy and other therapists as becoming increasingly disillusioned with the status quo, Shrinking leaves any vulnerable audience with an unrealistic expectation of what to expect from the industry. While no TV show is obligated to look after its viewers, Shrinking's representation of therapy could potentially color the opinion of anyone considering seeking help. As such, while Shrinking has generally been well-received, it's easy to see why some of its creative decisions are proving contentious.
Episodes of Shrinking air Fridays on Apple TV+