“Ordinary People” Movie Post

“Ordinary People” Movie Post

Ethical implications portrayed in the film

This critically acclaimed movie, “Ordinary People” (1980), directed by Robert Redford, depicts how the family of the Jarretts disintegrates after an accidental death of one of their sons and a subsequent suicide attempt by the other son, Conrad, played by Timothy Hutton. The ethical issues divulged in this movie are relevant to the patient and therapist alliance by the main protagonists of the movie, Conrad and Dr. Berger (Judd Hirsh). Some of the common themes include those issues of confidentiality and professionalism, through which Dr. Berger is accessible yet maintains his professionalism, considering that Beth Jarrett, played by Mary Tyler Moore, is unable to satisfactorily relate to her surviving son as a depiction of consequences resulting from unresolved grieving.

How I would have navigated these ethical challenges

As a clinician, these ethical considerations put the practitioner in a unique kind of dilemma that calls for empathy while at the same time, professionalism to analyze issues in an objective manner. In a broad perspective, there is the issue of conflict of interest because one has to balance between professional and personal interests; this may compromise impartiality and credibility. As in most of the working relationships, the development of trust requires constant and effective communication and identification.

Instances of transference and countertransference

The movie also portrays dynamics of power and dynamics of transference and countertransference. Transference observed by Conrad towards Dr. Berger is rooted in the child’s desire to have paternal figures, while the male therapist interfering with the treatment process and engaging in it might indicate countertransference. Finally, at one point, the talk treatment begins, and Dr. Berger gets Conrad to role-play the feelings instead of guilt and anger consuming him. Other sources of support for Conrad are also characterized by acceptance and listening, which have been crucial in managing traumas.

Reflection

Overall, “Ordinary People” can, therefore, be considered a viable training aid for beginning counselors as the movie encapsulates the basic counseling model. The movie focuses more on theoretical and humanitarian perspectives like empathy, ethical issues of practice, and correct therapeutic methodologies. As a result, the film is still relevant to the present day insofar as it establishes how psychotherapy enables change and recovery and how it portrays the codes that govern practitioners.