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Oprah Winfrey’s network to tackle eating disorders

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Category: Culture and Media

I'm concerned about making patients suffering from eating disorders a source of entertainment. It must be possible to offer "the possibility to see food-based issues in a new light" without exposing vulnerable people to a massive television audience.

In psychotherapy the patient knows she can say just about anything, and her psychotherapist will hold the confidentiality. Statements, actions and expressions that the patient might find shocking and embarrassing after recovery are left to disappear after the fact. She doesn't have reminders because of television reruns or youtube clips. She doesn't get letters from strangers. Her face isn't recognized on the street or on Facebook. She's free to start her new life in recovery unencumbered.

Throughout my career as a psychotherapist I've been privy to many secrets and sensitive information, I've grown more convinced that the work between patient and psychotherapist takes place in a form of sacred space where respect and trust allows the patient to say anything.  Her freedom from fear or judgment is crucial in allowing recovery to build and replace illness. This can't happen when treatment is televised.

What do you think?

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