This report covers the Season 7 episode of titled " Counseling " , which originally aired on September 30, 2010.
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Despite Michael's abuse, Toby demonstrates professional patience and utilizes his Master’s degree in Social Work to facilitate the session. This report covers the Season 7 episode of
Michael initially refuses to cooperate, sitting in silence or making animal noises to waste time. However, Toby eventually tricks Michael into opening up by playing a therapy-based card game. Once Michael realizes he has been "tricked" into sharing childhood stories, he becomes irate and insults Toby. Once Michael realizes he has been "tricked" into
The episode explores Michael's irrational hatred, which writers have noted stems from Toby's role in HR, as he constantly enforces company policies that Michael finds "boring".
His resistance to counseling reveals his extreme need for acceptance and his fear of being seen as "unaccomplished" or a "loser," traits he often projects onto Toby .