Can Britney get an honest opinion? - Dr. Phil's Media Whore Publicity Stunt.

It seems that we are not the only people to wonder about the lunacy of Hollywood shrinks, and Hollywood in general. We came across this post that is worth quoting

Is it any wonder that pop singing sensation Britney Spears is apparently experiencing psychological problems? It seems everyone in her immediate vicinity is trying to capitalize on Spear's media attention or is trying, in some manner, to get on the gravy train.

She apparently is enabled and stroked by all those who are attempting to cash-in at Britney's expense.

In my humble (ok, not so humble) opinion, those who are seeking to promote their own agendas on the back of Spear's misfortune are despicable. Yes, I do recognize my apparent hypocrisy in mentioning this in my blog -- but like I have said on numerous occasions, this blog is my reaction to otherwise shouting at the television screen or pounding the dashboard of my car. (check the very end of this blog before judging)

Britney is physically located between two world-class hospitals, Cedars-Sinai Hospital and the UCLA Medical Center. Also nearby is St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica. All of which have resident and outpatient medical and psychological services.

Enter Dr. Phil...

While Dr. Phil does have a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from North Texas State University, he also is the host of a talk show based on fast, pop-psychological cures similar to the "rapid diagnosis and generalized advice" of the late Dr. David Viscott who was convinces that all you had to do to cure your problems was recognize your problem and then resolve to do something else.

[...]

Known for his confrontational style and physically intimidating stance, one questions whether or not any association between Dr. Phil and Britney Spears could be beneficial given that Dr. Phil may not be able to devote the type of time and attention that Britney deserves.

For more about the Oprah Winfrey-created "pop psychologist" Dr. Phil McGraw, it is suggested that you read the Wikipedia article here. It is not as flattering as one might believe from Dr. Phil's publicity.

With a lot more at the original link, but we need to add this advice paraphrased from later in the post:

Should you be experiencing any medical or psychological symptoms, always consult an appropriate medical professional who is bound by the doctor-patient privilege and will not further increase your apparent distress by publicizing your condition.

It is far smarter to start with [...] a medical doctor who can rule out physiological causes before proceeding on to counseling with a psychotherapist.

Be wary of accepting advice from any professional who seems more show-biz promotional than professional. Buying self-help books or potions from these characters is often worthless [...]

Be extremely wary of accepting the advice from anyone being billed as a "something professional to the stars." One need only open their eyes to see how screwed up these stars may be once the cameras stop rolling and they are confronted with dealing with their privileged and pampered life. Most are malignant narcissists who believe that "everything is about them." If they hit your car, they often become irate and question why are you inconveniencing them by being in the wrong place at the wrong time?"

Recognize that most professionals who have turned into performers are driven by an agenda that only tangentially concerns their subjects... and only to the extent where their subject's association and success is reflective of their activities.