Good Will Hunting Psychological Analysis

Will is certainly guilty of having problems arising from "distorted, incorrect and maladaptive cognitions concerning the self, others and events in the world." (Pervin, Cervone & Oliver, 2005. p. 322) This also includes discussing these distorted, incorrect and maladaptive cognitions with the counselor and having them replaced with information that is more realistic and acceptable. This theory does not see the unconscious as important. This can be accomplished with therapy such as Ellis' Rational Emotive-Behavioral Therapy (REBT). "REBT is a comprehensive, integrative approach to therapy that uses cognitive, emotive, and behavioral methods to try to change disturbances in thinking, feeling, and behaving." (Corey & Corey, 2007. p. 138) The important thing about this therapy is that is does not necessarily focus on feelings. It focus' on what a person is thinking. This is just the sort of therapy that Will is in need of and in the opinion of this learner, a lot of what the psychologist did with him throughout this period of time. He was asked to look at different situations and talk about how he saw them and what he said to himself during those times. The behavioral techniques "include self-management strategies, modeling, use of reinforcements and penalties, carrying our homework in daily life, and practicing a wide range of coping skills as a way to deal with challenges." (Corey & Corey, 2007. p. 138) Other therapies that can be used are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) which would be very goal oriented. This is not necessarily what was done with Will throughout this time in his life.