Stutz

I don't go to therapy. But this was kind of like going to a therapist. I paused it at several points to think about my answers (for instance my shadow). It made me think a lot about things I haven't let myself focus on and it was helpful to address those things internally and this gave me an outlet to do that. I appreciate the honesty shown by both Jonah and his therapist. Great job, great film. So rare to see truth captured like this I was really surprised how much I enjoyed it. Even if therapy isn't your thing I recommend giving this a shot I think it would surprise even the biggest cynic. The tools given are really life changing again I'm super grateful this was made.

I recommend everyone watch this movie. I respect Jonah Hill so much for making this, especially in todays climate, and also for being a MALE raising awareness on the tremendous help and importance that therapy provides. There are so few resources available to people who need mental health support, and many of those resources available are crazy expensive or therapists are booked solid with clients. This film is for everyone. We all struggle sometimes. This made me cry, laugh, and take notes. I will go back to this movie every time I feel the need for a therapy session. It also reminded me of my relationship with my counselor that I went to for ten years. Bless Jonah and Stutz. What a gift of a film.

Such a thought provoking and powerful documentary, that has personally given me some excellent tools to use in life; and help me work through issues from the past myself. Many different issues are explained simply and approaches detailed that are easy to follow and incorporate daily.

Although the documentary wasn't about me at all, I could really relate to so much throughout. Simple and enjoyable watch that was easy to follow and real in content.

Really grateful that this documentary was made for the difference it will make to many peoples lives, and a great view of your lives and strong bond that is captured forever.

This is a movie about relationship with some therapy and teachings.

Although the movie does include some of the tools of Stutz and some "demos" of them, this movie is not a self help type of a documentary. The heart of the movie lies in the relationship between Phil and Jonah.

I think it is good movie for all of us to watch for reminding of some basic truths about life and how minds work or can work. Overall though it is slight taste of these modern style therapy lessons and ideas.

Technical aspects of the film are all top notch, brilliant look on the film and very good structure and flow. There are few clearly forced parts, but they are not that distracting.

Dr. Stutz's eclecticism is what makes him a formidable therapist. He was schooled in psychoanalytic theory, but has blended cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness and acceptance into a simple yet potent formula to follow.

Step 1: Identify your Part X, a.k.a. Your inner saboteur. These are all the negative messages about yourself from society, community and family that you have internalised. They form barricades that prevent you from reaching your goals and attaining self-actualisaton.

Step 2: Befriend your Shadow. Most people try to run away from their shadow yet the shadow is irrevocably a part of them. It is the side of you that you are the most ashamed of and the reason you are ashamed of it is Part X, the negative messaging. Be compassionate to the shadow by refuting Part X and loving all parts of yourself.

Step 3: Beware the Snapshot. The snapshot is the thing that we think will finally bring us happiness once we have achieved it, and make up for past hurts and disappointments. Hill thought it was fame and success for him but soon plunged into depression when he realised that it did not make his shadow go away. The snapshot is a diversion.

Step 4: Get out of the Maze. This is us holding onto old grievances, demanding that life should be fair when it is not. It keeps us stuck in the past, unable to enjoy life in the present, and contaminates the future. To get out of the Maze, Stutz advocates for Active Love.

Step 5: Exercise Active Love. Embody the love that you wish to receive from the universe and project it onto those who have done you wrong so that you may forgive them for their actions. This is exercising kindness for yourself and empathy for those who have been responsible for your Part X, finally allowing yourself to let go and move on.

Step 6: Use Radical Acceptance. Try not to resist your negative thoughts and feelings. Whatever happens when you get told not to think about a pink elephant? Instead acknowledge the pink elephant, tell it kindly that you will not engage with it and turn your attention to something more productive and rewarding.

Step 7: Practice the Grateful Flow. Surmount Part X by reminding yourself the things that you are grateful for in life, no matter how big or small. This is like a mindfulness practice in that it helps us to ground ourselves and not be carried away by the incessant negative messages from the world.

Stutz says that his biggest fear is not getting enough done before he dies. He has a website offering The Tools, but there is probably an opportunity for a book like the Happiness Trap, which takes people through the steps of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).