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consult a licensed psychotherapist in your area. This article/column may have first appeared in the Del Mar Times.
Ask Dr. Ceren: Be Aware Of So-Called "Psychological Experts" (on TV 9/10/2004) Several weeks ago, there was a spirited exchange among psychologists about people defining themselves as psychologists when they do not have the credentials.
It was noted that on the Larry King Show, Robi Ludwig was described as a psychologist which was determined to be untrue. Perhaps someone notified CNN of the error because on recent show Larry King, she was billed as a psychotherapist (and not the clinical psychologist label she previously wore).
The most striking thing was that she freely "diagnosed" someone as "insane' but said that he couldn't meet the standards for insanity. (Help me out here). The guy in question was someone who had harbored several different women, at various times, in his basement against their will. Reportedly, they were sex slaves who were subjected to various forms of abuse/maltreatment. Obviously, this is grist for the psychological mill here, but one would have to know quite a bit of the background and circumstances to make credible forensic and other professional statements.
A professional public statement on the fly was disturbing, and in my opinion, far from appropriate. Few people in the viewing audience probably realized that, much less that mental health professionals rarely make such rash statements.
What are your thoughts?
Fred A. Johnson, Ph.D. I viewed the same show and came to the same conclusion. Someone must have insisted that CNN change the professional title of this so-called expert who makes quick and often inappropriate diagnosis unbecoming to a bonafide psychologist and based on limited information having never examined the person or people discussed.
However, Larry King isn't a university on TV. The purpose of this show is not to elucidate or enlighten, but to entertain. It is after all, a "show."
If education were Larry King's purpose, it would be far better if his questions were directed to the forensic psychologists who had examined the victims and the perpetrator and whose testimony would be based on sound evidence and therefore credible, rather than some off-the cuff diagnosis.
Moreover, on that particular show, Larry King's questioning of the victims was insensitive and at times appeared to be accusatory. Some psychologists felt he came close to blaming the victim.
Victims appearances on TV to discuss their abuse perpetuated another kind of abuse tantamount to a circus "freak show." Of course they weren't forced. They willingly succumbed to the few minutes of fame, so much apart of the TV culture where people will go to great lengths to make themselves known, even so far as to eat disgusting objects just to be on a reality show.
These TV programs offer a materialistic piece of voyeurism to the audience, and where a few minutes of fame are deemed worthwhile to the participants.
One must ask what needs are served by that segment of TV culture?
Paid advertisers love the fact that there is an audience for their products.
For the viewer these programs may be serve their curiosity.
For the participants, their TV appearances, may serve a psychological need to substantiate that they are alive. Proof of their existence. They have finally become visible to a large population of TV viewers, and have finally created an impression--no matter whether positive or negative. They are there--if only for the duration of the program.
Sandra Levy Ceren is a long time Del Mar psychologist specializing in relationships. To query, or read more visit www.Dr.SandraLevyCeren.com
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