<p>In the scene, it looks like the therapist is confronting a correctly identified <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychological_repression" rel="nofollow">repressed belief</a>. As he tries to bring it to the patient's consciousness, the patient's defense mechanisms attempt to keep it repressed. You see him first deny it, then get angry, and then, finally, as the therapist breaks through all the defenses, you see relief and acceptance.</p>

<p>The danger would come if the therapist did not identify the belief correctly and tried to confront it -- that would certainly create an awkward situation. However, in this situation, the therapist is experienced and does not make that mistake.</p>

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2013-12-30T19:08:23.177Z
2013-12-30T19:08:23.177Z
Justas
<p>I mean the "it's not your fault" part at the end of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYa6gbDcx18" rel="nofollow">this movie segment</a>. Could anybody explain this method and why it works? </p>

<p>What happens if the psychologist didn't get any reaction (like crying) from the case (Will), doesn't he look like a jerk repeating the same words 9 times?</p>

<clinical-psychology>
What is this method used in the "it's not your fault" segment of Good Will Hunting and why does it work?
user5402
# What is this method used in the "it's not your fault" segment of Good Will Hunting and why does it work?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2013-12-28)

I mean the "it's not your fault" part at the end of [this movie segment](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYa6gbDcx18). Could anybody explain this method and why it works?

What happens if the psychologist didn't get any reaction (like crying) from the case (Will), doesn't he look like a jerk repeating the same words 9 times?

**Tags:** clinical-psychology


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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2013-12-30. Score: 2

In the scene, it looks like the therapist is confronting a correctly identified [repressed belief](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychological_repression). As he tries to bring it to the patient's consciousness, the patient's defense mechanisms attempt to keep it repressed. You see him first deny it, then get angry, and then, finally, as the therapist breaks through all the defenses, you see relief and acceptance.

The danger would come if the therapist did not identify the belief correctly and tried to confront it -- that would certainly create an awkward situation. However, in this situation, the therapist is experienced and does not make that mistake.


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