The Speakmans- new TV programme about psychotherapy

sherlock holmes · 11-07-2014, 12:26 PM

I just caught a bit of This Morning and there two psychotherapists called The Speakmans (I guess they are married) who were working with a woman who had a severe phobia of ice and snow.

They have a new series starting on Monday which airs everyday for a month and each episode they work with someone on a specific issue using psychotherapy to help them to recover. From the trailer I could see it was things like OCD, hair pulling, self harm, eating issues, various phobias.

I think it would interest a lot of members here, though obviously has the potential to be triggering and may trigger anxiety if they focus on a phobia that you also share. Please be aware as you are watching.

It starts Monday 14 July on ITV1 at 2pm.

BridgesAndBalloons · 11-07-2014, 10:27 PM

Thanks for sharing this. I'll definitely check it out, it sounds pretty interesting :)

sherlock holmes · 13-07-2014, 10:23 AM

Was just going to add it seems like they are quite controversial and there is a bit of uncertainty over their actual qualifications, so bear that in mind when watching!

http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-ra...g-kerry-katona

Epicene · 14-07-2014, 12:23 PM

^ I NEVER watch Jeremy Kyle but as the TV was tuned into ITV this morning I managed to catch these two make an appearance on his show. I am genuinely horrified that unqualified people can practice in this way so to save my blood pressure won't be watching the show. That said, as long as they aren't harming anyone who seeks their help, I guess each to their own.

Animad · 15-07-2014, 02:48 PM

This is on tele at the moment and it's terrible. They've just cured someone of OCD-like rituals (she apparently doesn't do them all of the time though Ive not watched the whole program) by them telling her that it is silly and she should grow up. They then followed this by asking her if she wanted to sacrifice their goat as that's a ritual just like her own. It belittles mental health problems and I doubt all of this is true and that these people are recovered. It has the potential for them to get a LOT worse if they're not careful.

Sketchy · 15-07-2014, 03:46 PM

I very much agree with animad. I hate that they use the term stupid and that they belittle mental health problems. Do they ever show or talk about people they cannot help? Their arrogance is frightening. Even professional people can't claim to cure everyone. It's a dangerous claim. Yes, things can may be managed, but sometimes a cure is not so easy.
On an immature side note, they give me the creeps!!!!

Animad · 15-07-2014, 04:25 PM

I think they'd give anyone the creeps!

I wonder if they could cure my body image problems in the space of about a 15min conversation? I've had a specialist psychologist not be able to strike the surface of it but you know, this couple may just be able to sort it out. The problem is though that I don't think it's as interesting as they probably want on their program and I also would be unwilling to go on TV (I'd also be unwilling to talk to them about it as they do my head in) but who knows.

I also think I saw her holding a pen and a pad of paper/ clipboard but I didn't see her writing on it and why would they need to? They get cured so quickly and if they didn't then the goat was to be sacrificed (wtf?). To be honest I wouldn't be surprised if the people on the show either go and see them and between the first bit and the 2nd they go and get proper treatment or even that these problems didn't occur (at least to the severity claimed) at the start. I also think it is heavily scripted and people that they don't cure, which is possibly more than they 'cure', just won't be shown on tv. I now my views are maybe a bit controversial but that show just didn't sit well with me.

DoveInGrey · 15-07-2014, 04:59 PM

I saw yesterday's as I'm also emetophobic (although not agoraphobic) like the lady featured in the show and was frankly disgusted at the way they spoke to her, telling her to grow up etc. Very disappointing.

Zedebee · 15-07-2014, 11:57 PM

Sounds interesting. I'm going to see If the first 2 are on itv player now.

sherlock holmes · 16-07-2014, 07:38 PM

I've still not seen any yet. Though if they unqualified and belittle and demean people then I wont be watching!

Albus Dumbledore · 18-07-2014, 05:17 PM

I watched half of it this morning and had to change the tv channel as I found it so offensive. To "cure" people by telling them how stupid their fears are is disgraceful. As already said it really belittles mental illness and just reinforces the "pull your socks up and deal with it" attitude.

sherlock holmes · 18-07-2014, 08:23 PM

I managed to see 5 minutes yesterday and was disgusted!

GlitterTrashDoll · 19-07-2014, 02:58 AM

I've watched them all. So far they have said that all the fears are "silly" "childish" "imaginary" and "stupid" and so far, for every single person their answer has been the same - stop it and grow up. :/

they are really weird people.

sherlock holmes · 19-07-2014, 10:57 AM

This programme is going to put people off seeking genuine help.