I started consulting for film & TV after one too many times of feeling disenchanted by the industry’s portrayal of mental health in media. Plenty of projects have gotten characters with mental illness really really right and so many more simply miss the mark; perpetuating harmful stereotypes, spreading misinformation, or simply falling into lazy, unoriginal tropes. Throughout my work, I have gotten the opportunity to work with writers, editors, and directors who are truly committed to telling complex, messy, human stories with great respect for the psyche and its perils. By having a clearer window into the nature of mental illness, the impact of trauma, and the transcendent function of the human psyche, you can create work that resonates on a deeper level, leaves a lasting impression, and invites the audience to wrestle with the complexity of the human experience.

What I Can Help With

Archetypal Explorations: Bringing Your Characters to Life

Every character is shaped by deep, underlying patterns—archetypes that resonate with audiences on a subconscious level. If you’re looking to create characters with rich, complex psychological layers, I’ll help you explore these timeless archetypes and weave them into your story. Together, we’ll:

• Identify key archetypes in your story (e.g., The Hero, The Villain, The Sage).

• Dive into backstories that give your characters psychological depth.

• Shape meaningful character arcs that reflect real psychological growth and change.

• Balance the symbolic and emotional aspects of your characters for maximum impact.

Depictions of Therapists & Therapy: Real, Honest, and Relatable

Therapy is a powerful part of many stories, but it’s easy for depictions of therapists and therapy to feel unrealistic or even cliché. Whether you're creating a therapist character or showing a therapy session, I’ll help you portray them in an authentic, relatable way that feels true to life. My consulting services include:

• Therapist Characters: Crafting therapist roles with psychological depth, making sure their approach and behavior reflect real-life professionals.

• Therapy Sessions: Helping you create scenes that accurately reflect how therapy works—whether it's a first session or a breakthrough moment.

• Boundaries & Ethics: Providing guidance on the client-therapist relationship, ethics, and confidentiality to avoid common pitfalls.

Trauma-Informed Consulting: Sensitivity and Authenticity

Trauma is complex, and it’s vital that we portray it with care. Whether your characters are dealing with abuse, PTSD, or emotional wounds, I’ll help you show trauma in a way that is realistic and respectful, avoiding harmful stereotypes. My trauma-informed approach covers:

• Understanding how trauma affects characters’ behavior, decision-making, and relationships.

• Depicting emotional responses to trauma, including triggers and coping mechanisms.

• Helping your characters find realistic paths toward healing—if that's part of their journey.

Complex & Criminal Characters: Depth, Not Stereotypes

Characters who commit crimes or struggle with psychological disorders can easily over- or underperform in writing. But when done right, these characters can be compelling, complex, and deeply human. I specialize in helping you develop nuanced criminal or morally ambiguous characters who feel real and multi-dimensional. Here’s how I can help:

• Explore the psychological motivations behind criminal behavior (e.g., psychopathy, sociopathy, violent tendencies).

• Create complex characters who challenge audiences, whether they’re antiheroes or villains.

• Deep dive into the psychological aspects of mental illness or personality disorders, portraying them with nuance and accuracy.

Fees & Availability

My fees are customized based on the scope and nature of your project. Here’s an overview of my consulting rates:

• Initial Consultation: $175 for a 30-minute meeting
  (This session allows us to discuss your project, define your needs, and outline the consulting approach.)

• Standard Consulting Rate: $300 per hour
  (This rate applies for in-depth work, including character development, psychological feedback, therapy scene consultation, and more.)

• Project Consultation Package: $2,500
  (Includes up to 10 hours of consulting, allowing for ongoing feedback and support over the course of your project. This can be broken into multiple sessions depending on your needs.)

• Student discounts may be available***

If you have a specific project or a unique set of needs, I’m happy to provide a tailored quote. Feel free to reach out, and we can discuss the best way forward.

Why Choose Me?

• I’m a Therapist First: With years of experience in the mental health field, I understand human behavior on a deep level and can bring that knowledge to your characters.

• I Care About Authenticity: I’m passionate about helping you create stories that resonate with your audience in a meaningful and true-to-life way.

• I Approach Sensitive Topics with Respect: Whether it’s mental illness, trauma, or criminal behavior, I make sure your project handles these themes with the sensitivity they deserve.

• I’m a Collaborator, Not Just a Consultant: I work closely with writers, directors, and producers to ensure that psychology is seamlessly woven into your narrative and character development.

Let’s Create Something Amazing Together

If you’re looking for a psychological consultant who can help you craft authentic, complex characters and storylines, I’d love to work with you! I’m here to offer my expertise and passion for psychology, making sure that every character feels grounded in real human experience. Let’s create stories that are both compelling and psychologically true.

Contact me today to chat about your project and see how we can collaborate to bring your vision to life with authenticity and depth.

Contact Information

• Email: Jenna@reasonbeingtherapy.com

• Phone: (323) 283-9870