What Does Michael Really Want?
At the start of each therapy session, Dr. Friedlander asks Michael a simple question: “What do you want?” Michael usually answers that he wants to be happy but also wants to continue his criminal life. This sets up the central conflict of the session: balancing a normal life with the chaos of crime.
Michael’s response changes depending on the last mission the player completed:
The Bureau Raid and Legal Trouble
Michael often feels hunted. He mentions that Trevor still poses a threat, although they are temporarily “playing nice.” The FIB and Devin Weston also have reasons to want him dead. On a positive note, his family has moved back in, giving him some emotional stability. Most players notice that even when things are looking up, Michael struggles to truly enjoy it, as his criminal life constantly interferes.
Something Sensible
Here, Michael expresses relief and optimism. He claims Trevor is “gone,” has money from investments, and hopes to retire from crime. Some enemies remain, but he feels more in control. Players who reach this point often notice that Michael’s pursuit of respect, particularly in the movie industry, signals a shift from reckless crime to calculated social influence.
The Third Way
After choosing the “Third Way” ending, Michael is in a better position financially, and most threats have disappeared. However, he still considers his life messy. This reflects a realistic approach for many players: even after major story victories, the world of GTA 5 rarely feels entirely safe or controlled.
How Does Michael Respond to Therapy Advice?
During sessions, Friedlander offers advice based on what Michael reveals. Players can choose whether Michael accepts or rejects it:
Rejecting Advice: Michael insists he’s fundamentally a good person despite mistakes. Most players find that this choice aligns with Michael’s cynical, self-justifying personality.
Accepting Advice: Michael expresses a desire to improve but admits his temper is a problem. Choosing this path often affects dialogue and how he reflects on his relationships.
Understanding these choices is important because they reveal Michael’s internal struggle and give players a sense of agency in shaping his outlook.
How Does Michael Handle His Personal Life?
Michael’s sexual behavior also comes under scrutiny. If the player avoids prostitutes or booty calls, Michael reports having “thoughts” but no issues. Conversely, engaging in these activities results in a confession, which triggers Friedlander’s disapproval. In general, most players find that these choices impact Michael’s dialogue but not the larger game outcomes—they mostly serve to deepen his character and reveal personal flaws.
The Fate of Dr. Friedlander
A notable part of the session is the eventual exit of Dr. Friedlander. He informs Michael that he is leaving Los Santos to start his own TV show, using therapy material in ways that raise ethical questions. Players can then choose to either:
Kill Him (Non-canon) – If Michael kills Friedlander, he drops a random amount of money, and an in-game news article reports his death. This outcome is not considered canon, but it provides a darkly satisfying option for some players.
Leave Him – Letting him escape leads to an email threat from Friedlander but no immediate consequences. Interestingly, a news article still reports his death, a minor oversight in GTA 5’s worldbuilding.
This scenario illustrates the game’s attention to player choice and the sometimes messy consequences that follow, even when the choice is non-canon.
What Can Players Learn from Michael’s Therapy?
In practice, these sessions provide insight into how most players engage with the story:
Internal Conflict: Michael’s desire for a normal life versus his criminal tendencies reflects real-world dilemmas of personal versus professional ambition.
Decision Making: Accepting or rejecting advice and choosing how to interact with Friedlander influences character depth rather than altering major plot points.
Moral Reflection: Players often reflect on how their choices—whether violent or restrained—shape Michael’s character, demonstrating the game’s emphasis on moral ambiguity.
Additionally, for players interested in enhancing gameplay, some may choose to buy GTA 5 Modded Accounts pc to experiment with different story paths, unlock all missions instantly, or explore optional scenarios like Friedlander’s non-canon death.
Michael De Santa’s therapy sessions are more than filler—they’re a lens into his personality, motivations, and the consequences of the player’s actions. Whether dealing with family, crime, or personal desires, these interactions provide depth to a character who could otherwise feel one-dimensional. Understanding these sessions helps players make more informed choices and appreciate the narrative richness of GTA 5.
