Character Relationship Map: Private Sessions

Characters

• Dr. Joe Braden (played by Mike Farrell) — protagonist
• Dr. Liz Bolger (played by Maureen Stapleton) — supporting
• Mrs. Coles (played by Hope Lange) — supporting
• Rick (played by Greg Evigan) — supporting
• Harry O'Reilly (played by Tom Bosley) — supporting
• Jennifer Coles (played by Kelly McGillis) — supporting

Canonical Relationships

Family, romantic, and professional connections based on plot evidence.

• Dr. Joe Braden → Mrs. Coles (Professional Family Counselor)

  Dr. Braden invites Jennifer's parents to a session to address her childhood trauma and its effects.

• Dr. Joe Braden → Rick (Professional Relationship Adviser)

  Following a conversation with Dr. Braden, Rick agrees to give his relationship with Jennifer another try.

• Jennifer Coles → Mrs. Coles (Family Daughter)

  Mrs. Coles is Jennifer's mother and participates in a session about Jennifer's childhood molestation and the family's response.

• Jennifer Coles → Rick (Romantic Partner)

  Jennifer is in a serious relationship with Rick, and Rick later agrees to give their relationship another try.

• Dr. Joe Braden → Jennifer Coles (Professional Therapist And Patient)

  Jennifer agrees to see Dr. Braden, who works with her compulsive sexual behavior and childhood trauma.

• Dr. Joe Braden → Harry O'Reilly (Professional Therapist And Patient)

  Harry visits Dr. Braden for advice about his hallucinations, and several sessions take place in Harry's cab.

• Dr. Joe Braden → Dr. Liz Bolger (Professional Colleague)

  Dr. Braden regularly meets Dr. Bolger at work to discuss his patients.

Story Analysis

A therapist helps patients confront hidden causes of distress while confronting the emotional consequences of damaged relationships.

Plot Progression

1. A Therapist Between Worlds
2. The Cab Mystery
3. Jennifer's Destructive Pattern
4. The Buried Childhood
5. Acknowledgment And Renewal