After this NCIS: Origins scene, I know why Gibbs never sought therapy in the original show (though he really needed it)

The NCIS: Origins episode titled Last Rites showcases Gibbs' psychological evaluation, painting a troubling picture of his mental state. It is a pivotal scene that reveals why Leroy Jethro Gibbs never sought therapy in the original NCIS series, despite his evident need for it. The evaluation describes him as being in a "depressive state because of trauma," with "impulsive tendencies" and "unaddressed anger issues." The result strongly suggests extensive therapy and even doubts whether he should continue to serve in the Naval Investigative Service.

This whole scene suggests how desperately Gibbs needs professional help but is reluctant to the idea of it. His failure to acknowledge the severity of his trauma and his belief that he could handle it on his own led him to avoid therapy. Why did he never think of getting therapy? It is probably after getting betrayed by Fletcher, who invited him once to a support group. Read on to learn more.

Here is why Gibbs never tried Therapy in NCIS: Origins

NCIS: Origins follows the lives of the agents oscillating between their personal and professional lives. Gibbs' journey in NCIS has always been like an aftermath of the killing of his wife and kids. In episode 17, the team is chasing a serial killer who goes by the name Sandman while someone named Bugs confesses the time. But it is only later that the real identity of the mastermind is revealed, and he turned out to be someone Gibbs knew— the leader of the support group for healing. Gibbs felt betrayed, and when he confronted Fletcher, the latter confessed that he genuinely cares about Gibbs' well-being.

But Gibbs' trust is broken as Fletcher also planted Bugs in the NIS office. The support group symbolised hope and healing, for it to be as a front manipulated by Fletcher turns it into yet another space of deception. This deception was the reason that he never attended therapy sessions even when he needed them the most, till the later episode of NCIS: Origins.

As the years went on, colleagues and friends died, more secrets piled up, and his trauma became layered, unresolved, and normalised as part of the job. Had Gibbs committed to therapy early on, he might have come to terms with his grief and guilt, particularly over his family. He could have developed healthier coping mechanisms rather than defaulting to silence, vengeance, and emotional isolation in NCIS: Origins.

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NCIS: Origins portrays Gibbs' journey of coping with loss and trauma, highlighting the complexities of seeking help and the personal struggles that can prevent individuals from doing so. It took almost 20 years for Gibbs to again be able to seek professional mental health support.

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