By: Catherine

Catherine — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 17:32:58 +0000

Dr Drew admirer here, for sure, but, I also have some views on the shows we love to follow. They seem to be turning into “Can’t miss the weekly soap opera to see what happens” rather than “reality” Much of the viewing audience, are what I like to call, our regular Joe’s that make the world go round, the normal, everyday, down to earth get down and dirty hard working people, and also endure the same issues. Except, without the advantages of NOT having access to someone like Dr. Drew who is wonderful, caring and for the high profile, high paying, rich, famous and beautiful. (I quote, just not sure who coined that phrase) It is also agreed those in the spotlight do have the same very real traumas, addictions, and mental issues. . My problem lies in this unending defensiveness that the viewer is judging them unfairly! First off, it is known celebs do not do these shows without compensation, that’s the first strike when attempting to produce “reality. That alone could make some be led to beleive there is no help out there for themselves, and surely the show is NOT real, or, the celeb really is not sincere about taking the help and sticking to it, forever. 2, It seems to show the celebs acting so unappreciative and thinking they are so “above work” beyond the spotlight, and the everyday real life tasks and so the same additctions and problems are re-visited over and over again.In the real world, the viewed might perceive this behavior as , “Oh yes, lets make season #3!” Drew’s help is surely worth more than that? If one is so passionate and so determined and driven to change , act accordingly I say. I was told by one pt. “Reality TV is not real life”. Hmmm I’m quite confused as to why then act so badly on camera? It makes it difficult NOT to judge, IE: when the sober house pts had to “work” for a day, or was it an hour? I recall one who wouldnt touch the laundry even with gloves? Are you serious? Again, I was told, “TV is not real life”. Perhaps a better, more eye opening, more effective means of curing some of the attitudes and behaviors, would be to actually put some celebs in a real life situation? Not for a day, or, (and I chuckle) not for an hour, but maybe a month? Same problems, same traumas, addictions, illnesses, but, without the resources. It would prove quite an interesting “reality” show. And I’ll go a step further, without pay! If the viewers are to truly beleive these pts want help, and want to change and want to show everyone that they too, are not exempt from the same pain, and addiction, and past trauma as their fans, then they need to act accordingly, ON camera and off. My heart goes out to those with mental illness, addictions and childhood trauma. Some of us, have heard, seen, lived it and we tire of the excuses we hear and read from the celebs. I, myself can say, its not “judging” rather more we’d say, “We know, you’re in pain, and struggling and reaching out for help, but Geeeeeeeesh Louiseeeeeeeee, appreciate it, grasp it, take it, use it, and most important, stick with it and conquer your demons. The only stigma is that the public percieves it the way they portray themselves on these so called reality shows. We all do, I’m sure, myself included love that Dr. Drew though. Congrats and thank you Dr Drew. One suggestion, please try to cast the lovely, beautiful and super talented, in danger though, Linsay Lohan. She truly needs help now!
Thank you.

By: stanley kowalski

stanley kowalski — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 02:00:10 +0000

How does one know if said therapist is engaged in active listening (i.e. mentalizing)? What’s the patient’s/clients’ clue that he/she is being heard?
Does the patient need to feel felt? Or, is just a lot of head nodding, brow-furrowing, “un-huh-ing” do the trick, satisfying the therapists need to make sure the pay-sient indeed is being reached?

Comments on: Why I love Dr. Drew: part 2

By: Catherine

By: stanley kowalski