Ep 11. Laura - Week Three

Laura, a successful CEO, continues her therapy with Dr. Paul Weston in week three of In Treatment season 1 episode 11. The episode begins with Dr. Weston trying to probe into Laura's childhood and her family dynamics to understand the root cause of her controlling, perfectionist behavior. However, Laura is resistant to delve into her past and continually deflects the conversation to her current relationship issues.

Laura opens up about her boyfriend, Alan, who recently started drinking again after five years of sobriety. She expresses her concern about his drinking becoming a problem and how it triggers her anxiety. Dr. Weston helps Laura explore how her need for control may stem from her fear of losing the stability and security in her life.

As the session progresses, Laura reveals her fears about having children in the future and how Alan's drinking has made her doubt whether he would be a stable and reliable partner. She also shares how her career success has contributed to her difficulty in finding a partner who can match her accomplishments. Dr. Weston helps Laura to recognize how her thoughts and behaviors are interconnected and how her need for control may be preventing her from fully experiencing emotional intimacy.

The session takes an unexpected turn when Alan unexpectedly shows up at Laura's apartment in the middle of the session. Laura becomes agitated and anxious, worrying that Alan's drinking has escalated and that he is on the verge of relapse. Dr. Weston uses the opportunity to encourage Laura to voice her concerns and fears to Alan, instead of shutting down and controlling the situation.

The interaction with Alan triggers Laura to voice her own personal struggles with control and perfectionism. She confesses that her desire for control stems from a fear of vulnerability and failure and how this has affected her personal and professional relationships. Dr. Weston helps to guide her through recognizing her underlying insecurities and how they are affecting her current behavior.

In the final moments of the episode, Laura decides to confront Alan about his drinking and his unwillingness to seek help. The episode ends with a cliffhanger leaving the audience waiting to see how Laura handles the situation and how it will impact her therapy with Dr. Weston.

In Treatment season 1 episode 11 - Laura - Week Three offers a poignant exploration of personal struggles with control, perfectionism, and fear of vulnerability. The episode is a testament to the skilled writing and acting of the show, capturing the depths of the human psyche in a raw and honest portrayal.