First things first, let’s get everyone up to speed. For those of you who don’t know who Sean McGuire is, he’s the psychologist in Good Will Hunting played by Robin Williams. Now that everyone knows what we’re working with, Dr. Whitehead has been one of the main people guiding me through life since I was in 7th grade.
He’s been my psychologist, friend, mentor, counselor, and surrogate grandfather. I don’t think I’ve developed a better bond with anyone than I have with him. The man is borderline saintly. Dr. Whitehead has a way about him that makes him a man of the people. He was truly put on this planet to help others. He continues to take on clients in his elder years. He’s here to make a difference and succeeds in that in every session with his patients.
I started seeing Dr. Whitehead after the death of my grandparents. He was a shoulder to cry on and a fantastic listener. He always provided proper insight into helping me. After continued progress was made, unlike other psychologists who get the cash grab as much as they can, he put an end to our sessions. Once he sees you’re in a good place, he doesn’t see the value in continuing the sessions. It was a sad day leaving him, but I knew it was because I was on the right path.
However, it wasn’t until my manic episodes that I would start seeing him again on a regular basis. We had a lot to work on. There was a lot of trauma that needed to be unburdened, but he was always there. Dr. Whitehead and I got through it together. There’s no better feeling in the world than that.
Once I had finally stabilized, we developed our true friendship. We see each other once a month or so with phone call updates about what’s going on in each other’s lives. Meanwhile, the doctor-patient relationship has changed into something beautiful—a true friendship. I consider him a surrogate grandfather because he’s been there since the passing of all my other grandparents. He’s helped me get through my formative years in a way I could never truly repay him.
When I watch Good Will Hunting, I always think of Dr. Whitehead and I. I’m definitely no genius like Will, but the bond that I share with Dr. Whitehead is unmatched compared to any psychologist or psychiatrist I’ve ever had. There’s a real amount of love and respect we have for each other.
Dr. Whitehead, I just wanted to thank you for all that you are doing—not just for me, but for all the people you’ve helped along the way. You’ve been a great friend over the many decades I’ve known you, and I know there’s plenty of more bonding to go.