Nathan Bransford - The Forums

Still thinking about your question and came up with a few books and movies you could read/watch (if you haven't already) that, in my opinion, give accurate portrayals of client/professional experiences in therapy sessions. The therapists in these examples either are real people or are realistic people. I don't think any of these overlap with the genre of story you're telling, but they might still give you some ideas.

Voices by Trula Michaels LaCalle (written by a psychologist, an account of her experience counseling a multiple personality disorder client)

Ordinary People by Judith Guest (fictional story with "good" psychiatrist character; film version very similar to book, both book and film worth looking at)

Although it's a movie, not a book, Robin William's portrayal of psychologist Sean Maguire in the film Good Will Hunting is a good examples of a character who accurately (yet with enough creative license to remain interesting and fast paced) depicts a realistic, successful client/patient relationship. Some might argue that Sean shares too much of his own life with Will (the client), but I would argue that there was no other way to reach a client so brilliant yet damaged. The portrayal of the other "more acclaimed" professionals in this film are also accurate (though again, exaggerated to make a point) portrayals of some more pompous, less client-oriented (and in this case less successful) therapy styles.

To use a literary example: Stephanie Plum to bounty hunters. Television examples: Psych to detectives, Scrubs to doctors. This isn't literary fiction. I feel really bad because it seems most of you wouldn't read what I'm writing.

I don't want the reader to put the book down because they think "A psychologist wouldn't say that" or "behave that way" I'm concerned with how much license is afforded and how accurate I need to be in thought and action. I know Scrubs has a doctor on staff. Evanovich learned about bounty hunters and learned how to shoot a gun.

If I have to be really serious, or gloss over the therapy then I shouldn't write the book.

Now, now. Have a donut.

Then write the book. Your way.

:) Or a peanut butter and olive sandwich.
I'll write it. I can't do otherwise. :)
Thank you everyone for your input.

Polsmurphy - I'm sure no one meant to upset you! I know, for me, this is a knee-jerk issue. So many people could benefit from therapy, but won't go into it because they misunderstand what it is. So, I can get a bit testy. :)

I think in professions where both ethics and years of study are involved, you'll get these types of responses. Ask a bunch of Doctors about protraying a Doctor in literature and see the types of responses you get. :) And you'll notice that Scrubs and other medical programs are always very careful to represent their medical practices accurately.

Good luck with whatever you decide! I think there are some excellent suggestions on this thread, if you decide to pursue it.