There is no shame in admitting you need a little help every now and then. Especially when it comes to communicating with your peers, perhaps this is why the Real Housewives of New Jersey cast could benefit from a little Psych 101. Season 14 has shown the women at a major crossroads. There is a lot to work on between communication breakdowns and physical fighting. It often feels like the ladies of the Garden State are yelling at the top of their lungs in hopes that anyone will validate their feelings. Where is Fraiser Crane with his famous motto “I’m listening” when you need him? Here’s who I think would benefit from a moment on the couch from RHONJ.
RHONJ Couples Therapy #1 – Rachel Fuda/Tre Giudice
We’ve already seen one sit-down between Rachel Fuda and Teresa Giudice go terribly wrong. The two mothers met up to try and work out their differences when, in all reality, Tre just needed to apologize for running her mouth. The chit-chat led to a walkout, and nothing was resolved. If Tre and Rachel were to sit down, I feel as if their therapist might explain the meaning behind the Behavioral Theory.
This theory explains that human behavior is learned and shaped by environmental stimuli. I would argue Rachel learned to fight with Teresa because of Teresa. For seasons, the mother of four has been acting out, and it was only a matter of time before someone picked up on those personality traits.
Any therapist worth their hourly pay would also try to explain to Tre that she was in the wrong for spreading such devastating slander about Rachel’s husband, John Fuda, and his history with drugs in the past. I would wager that the therapist might conclude that Teresa has narcissistic tendencies and thinks very highly of herself, often forgetting to think of others in her path.
RHONJ Couples Therapy #2 – Margaret Josephs/Jackie Goldschneider
It is hard to watch Margaret Josephs and Jackie Goldschneider interact nowadays because they used to be such good friends. But before Season 14, these two women were close confidants. However, with Marge’s recent villain move, I don’t know how the two will ever bounce back. Jackie has been giving everyone whiplash, especially after revealing she was no friends with Tre, Marge’s arch nemesis. Honestly, Jackie has been insufferable this entire season, leaving Marge with few options.
After talking out of both sides of her mouth, Jackie found herself in deep waters with Dolores Catania when Marge forwarded screenshots of some pretty nasty things the lawyer had said. It very much feels like Jackie is going through an identity crisis. It feels like she wants to be in the cool group so badly that she forgets who her real friends are. Maybe the famed Erik Erikson could help these two get their egos in check.
RHONJ Couples Therapy #3 – Jenn Fessler/Margaret Josephs
Jenn Fessler and Marge were best friends for years before the show. But leave it to a reality TV series and some fame to change all that. The main crux of the issue is Teresa. The OG is always the nucleus of almost every problem. After Marge’s son was allegedly threatened at his palace of work, the blonde in pigtails cut all ties with Tre. At the time Marge was under the impression that her friend had promised never to meet up with Teresa or Luis Ruelas ever again.
But Jenn claimed via ET that wasn’t the case, saying, “Maybe you saw me saying to Margaret, you know, ‘I told you that if you don’t want to be around these people again, neither will I.'” In my opinion, these two should look into Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Both are motivated to keep their fame train rolling, but at what cost? If these two former friends were in therapy together, they would be told to prioritize their safety, security, and self-esteem. Right now, both are trying to survive in the harsh climate of reality TV, and it is tearing them apart.
RHONJ Couples Therapy #4 – Joe Gorga/Luis Ruelas
All Joe Gorga wanted was a brother-in-law he could get along with. Sadly, he got stuck with Luis, the second coming of Joe Giudice. Both these fathers have extreme issues with needing to be the alpha male when they should have the sigma male mentality. As alphas, Joe and Luis are assertive and the epitome of masculine who thrive in a competitive environment. But this same competitive environment is probably what has them butting heads. Alpha males love having a sense of power.
While Sigmas are mentally strong, assertive, and confident, these types of men often inspire those around them. The main issue is that Joe has been burned too many times by Luis, and he no longer trusts him. I think that to have these two men make up, we would need all the best therapists to work with them at once, and even then, it would be a long shot.
TELL US — DO YOU THINK THESE RHONJ THERAPY SESSIONS WOULD GO WELL?
