Stutz

I have struggled immensely with my mental health over the past 12 years and on a lesser scale the other 29 years of my life. I have had countless therapy sessions, more often than not with one of the sit there and listen, but don't contribute therapists Jonah and Phill discuss near the start of the movie and whilst they were great at allowing me to vent, the only therapists that truly made an impact on me, were the ones who would have an actual conversation with me, call me on my issues and help me explore ways I can improve my life.

Stutz is the perfect example of this method of therapy and I am so grateful for this movie and the wisdom it imparts on us.

Whilst the cinematography, editing and pacing of the movie are all great, what makes Stutz truly remarkable is the vulnerability and truthfulness found within Jonah and Phill's relationship. You can really feel the openness, love and respect between these two people, which allows us as the viewer to be honest with our own answers to the questions posited throughout.

I doubt either of them will ever see this comment, but to Jonah and Phill, if you do see this, I just want to say, thank you. I related to so many of the stories and thoughts that you both shared and even found myself crying when responding to some of the questions you asked. I hope that this reaches as many people as possible and that people gain as much from it as I have.

It has been my experience that smart people seek out therapy. Further, highly intelligent people need therapy. Unfortunately the topic of therapy is taboo in the Unites States. If you think you may need therapy the chances are that you do. If you are confused about, can't find, afford or commit to finding a therapist this documentary is a great place to start. IMHO (in my humble opinion).

While I'm not a therapist I have benefitted by seeing a therapist a few times during my 62 years on the planet and recognize the value in using the tools described in this documentary. It's relevant and not difficult or hard to watch. I applaud Mr. Hill for having the courage in making this documentary and want to thank Mr. Stutz for his insight and wisdom.

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).

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.

This is a beautiful film. The goal of helping people by sharing Stutz methods, has at least in my case, been met. I love that the film actually contains tools and actions that a person can use. As you watch, you can follow along with exercises that Stutz asks Jonah to do. The relationship between Jonah and Stutz is really special and as a viewer it feels like you're seeing them both so vulnerable and intimate. There is a real sense of honesty throughout. I also really enjoyed the visual aspects of the film. The film also has the perfect amount of humour. I will be rewatching this film and would definitely recommend it.