Time – Health & Family – How Effective Are Tactics Used on TV Shows to Treat Troubled Teens? – By Maia Szalavitz – Published January 25, 2013.
The issue of the media’s depiction of what goes on, or should go on, in therapy is ever fascinating. The drama of shocking people into change, humiliating or terrifying them into growth, is just that: drama. As “How Effective Are Tactics Used on TV Shows to Treat Troubled Teens?” points out, evidence invariably demonstrates that these shows’ tactics are at best ineffective and, at worst, deeply harmful.
The article concludes: “While dramatic confrontation may be entertaining, it is not therapeutic. Experts say shows like these that rely on discredited or questionable therapies legitimizes those who sell outdated and harmful treatments and could ultimately undermine the progress of evidence-based care to help teens with substance abuse or behavior problems get better.”
I would add, it also distorts the perception of those who seek therapy, driving them either toward or away from accessing therapeutic help based on the mis-representation of what to expect in therapy. Even series such as “In Treatment,” which was relatively low in conventional entertainment value but captivated a massive audience internationally, thoroughly misrepresented quality, ethical therapeutic practice.
“Reality TV” effectively misinforms the public, supporting the inaccurate paradigm that tough love, confrontational therapy and unethical practices are successful treatment models. Those who chose to watch media renditions of therapy will do well to remember the words of TS Elliot: “Humankind…can not bear very much reality.” It’s just entertainment.