Mismatched 2: Therapy Done Right

As much as we love to critique the terrible representations of therapy on screen, once in a while an exception comes across that we have to appreciate. Although not perfect, Mismatched does show how therapy can be a space to challenge, introspect and learn new skills. Anmol Malhotra, after beating up a classmate early on in Mismatched season 2, is forced to go to therapy by Professor Sid in order to resume classes. This sets the scene for a resistant client for Dr. Suri, who we note is not a preachy, speech giving life coach but an empathetic, patient practitioner who works with Anmol slowly and steadily across sessions with humour, appropriate self-disclosure and genuineness . Some therapeutic techniques accurately depicted by Mismatched, Season 2:

Rolling with resistance

When Anmol demands that Dr.Suri give him “clearance”, Dr.Suri doesn’t argue, which might have escalated the situation. Instead, he slows the pace and says that if he did that, he wouldn’t be able to give himself clearance and asks Anmol to assist him in the process. In doing so Dr.Suri remains authentic but also works through Anmol’s resistance to seeking therapy.

Therapy and Homework

“Your task today is to pick one person you trust and ask for their help”. Anmol is assigned this task when it becomes apparent that he does not have a strong support system. Therapy is but one hour of the week and may need clients to try things outside the session too.

Empty chair technique

“Imagine karo ki jo bhi tumhe ghussa dila raha hai woh aya pe hai, unse baat karo”.

This technique requires you to imagine a conversation with someone who is absent. In this case it helps Anmol discover his anger at himself and how he continues to demean himself for being disabled. Dr.Suri uses this technique to give insight on the language Anmol uses with himself, encouraging him to be more compassionate.

Combining Individual therapy with group therapy/support group

Dr. Suri encourages Anmol to join a support group with others who are differently abled. It helps Anmol see that is not alone and becomes a space for instillation of hope.

Distinguish thoughts versus feelings

“How do you feel when you see Krish and Simran together?”

“How do I feel? They’re the perfect couple”

“No you’re telling me what you think about them, I’m asking what you feel for yourself”

Too often, we mix up what we’re feeling with what we’re thinking and vice versa. Understanding the difference can help us decide our plan of action. Do we want to challenge our negative thoughts or cope with our feelings?

Picking up on language

“ When I was normal, it was all good”

“ Do you ever feel jealous of Krish? Now that he’s normal and you’re not”

As Dr. Suri notes, Anmol does not feel normal since the accident that left him wheelchair bound. We have so many ideas of what normal is and how anyone who is not normal is treated differently. It gives Dr. Suri and entry point to how Anmol is perceiving himself and how that might influence his relationships.

A lot of media depictions of therapy are flashy, with dramatic revelations. In reality, at the core of therapy is listening, rephrasing and paraphrasing. Mismatched breaks the mold to give the viewer a more accurate idea of what to expect when you enter the therapy room.

Disclaimer: This blog post is meant for awareness/entertainment purposes only. It is not medical advice and one must refrain from self-diagnosing. It is in no way a substitute for therapy with a mental health professional and it is not meant to be clinical. To consult with a psychotherapist on our team, you can contact us on fettle.counselling@gmail.com.