Judith Guest's Ordinary People

Throughout the entire storyline, Dr. Berger provides Conrad with the ability to learn new things about himself and grow into a better person. In Judith Guest’s novel Ordinary People, Conrad is a high-school boy struggling with depression, a mental health disorder, as he goes through traumatic life experiences. The plot consists of twists and turns that pose as obstacles Conrad is forced to overcome and grow from. As his supportive mentor, Dr. Berger, a psychiatrist who specializes in severe mental disorders such as depression, assists Conrad in his journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Dr. Berger is supportive of Conrad in many ways, including providing a safe space for Conrad to share his thoughts and feelings, showing him feelings …show more content…
He describes her priorities as focused on her prized possessions rather than ensuring her son is okay. The “Lately”. Listen, if you listen! I am never going to be forgiven for that, never! You can’t get it out, you know! All that blood on her rug and her goddamn towels - everything had to be pitched!” (Guest 119) As Conrad spills the secret that he has been holding onto, he feels as though a burden has been lifted off his shoulders, but the anger inside of him is apparent. Dr. Berger responds to the situation by giving Conrad advice regarding perspective and the importance of the individual’s mindset when it comes to forgiveness. She can’t love you enough. Like she loves you as much as she’s able. Perspective, kiddo, remember?” (Guest 120) This shift in mindset is difficult for Conrad to understand, but it is something that helps him understand what it is like to be in the mind of his mother. This technique of shifting perspective is a well-known technique used by therapists across the world. Dennis Greenberger and Christine A. Pedesky wrote a book on psychological perspectives that are based on cognitive

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Judith Guest's Ordinary People