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    The Doctor's In!

    Dr. Greg: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

    Dr. Greg reflects on his experience on LA Shrinks.

    Apr 23

     

    I just returned from a Couples Therapy conference that I attended with Dr. Eris. We were both blown away by the expressions of support and admiration from a large number of professional therapists attendees who were also fans of LA Shrinks. This was in stark contrast to the reception I received at a therapy workshop I attended before the airing of the first episode. Clearly the content of the show including our differing, yet effective, therapy styles and the exposure of our personal struggles had won over many in the therapeutic community.  But, it is not just the therapists, but also all of our viewers that we owe the deepest debt of gratitude for allowing us to bring this extremely unique and ground breaking television show into your living rooms.

    For the final blog of the season, I wanted to give a little wrap-up of "the good, the bad, and the ugly" that came from doing the show for me. And, I want to finish up with "the amazing (and unexpected!)"

    THE GOOD:

    *New Friendships with Dr. Eris and Dr. V: They are smart, strong, and dynamic women and I am proud to call each one a friend (and their great husbands too!).

    * My Clients: I only had three brief sessions with each, but in that short time we accomplished a great deal. They were all willing, open, and did the work with cameras rolling.

    * Family Relationships Strengthened: I know being on a reality show can make things go either way, but my family pulled together. I am especially grateful that I got to get much closer to my sisters, Michele and Pamela. 

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    LittleBee 16 pts

    I absolutely love this show. (And the other Bravo shows that focus on work, as opposed to women tearing each others hair out, literally and figuratively). 

     I think that your father realizes that he was wrong. I saw him cry and apologize. It's so hard for men of that generation to admit that their parents were abusive. It seems as if he feels he did better than his parents, such as they were. He knows it's not enough. I was taught, "Whether your mother is right or wrong, she's right". Like the Pope, I guess: infallible! He showed great vulnerability. He is so damaged and so proud of you.

    I look forward to next season!!

    FlutterBy 1158 pts

    Dr Greg, I believe your father further used this show to excuse his bad parenting skills and abusive behavior...and cannot believe you did not protect your viewers from that....you brought the storyline to us with some expectation from us that you had learned something from the experience, but instead of viewers seeing this revelation...we see an older, wiser abuser clawing for acceptance and sympathy...sorry....many people do not buy that routine...surely you know that child abuse can be nipped from one generation to another...it does not have to be a legacy...your father used his first hand knowledge of how degrading and painful being cruel to a child can cause long term problems for that child, instead of doing the right thing...he "chose" to do the wrong thing...yes....chose.....and as a therapist, you know this....but anything for tv exposure and ratings.....shameful if you ask many...your father knew the story was going to come out and his cunning kicked into high gear....caught red handed....he decided to confess he had dipped into the paint...but would give everyone a good reason...why not...his father was no longer around....who would dispute it....so disappointed in this show and you....you failed to protect us as viewers who trusted the content would not trouble us....i know you have not posted responses because you are once again..protecting the abuser....thats really ok....I will definitely not watch again...too much drama for late night anyway

    WandaP 558 pts

    Dr.Greg, Dr. Eris and the one of a kind DR.V, Truly one of the best shows Bravo has ever done. This show picked people up, gave insight into an form of healing that many refuse to try. I hope others struggling will have the courage to step up and heal their pain, instead of hiding behind computers, or walls. We all want to be loved and accepted with positive loving relationships. The computer doesn't allow us to effectively get to KNOW your personally, as in real life, we marry real fallible human beings! No hiding can be done in a successful, happy marriage.. those that frown and so call "hate" this show may be to fearful of the mirror effect of seeing the truth.. I truly hope that Bravo brings you back for another season, I mean we have enough reality b-tching, fighting, I want resolution, with out it, the next generation is going to truly struggle.. Take another leap Bravo, actually save lives, u can do it. Much love to this great show! god bless you all!

    martirio2 32 pts

    I love the show...you have a wonderful partner

    Msdarla 7 pts

    I watched the reruns of show for the first time this weekend. I LOVE IT. I can't wait until next season. Such a great show.  Please, please, please bring it back for more seasons.

    alison528 5 pts

    Congratulations on your wedding and new show.  If I lived in LA I would definitely pick you as my therapist.  Can you recommend one in Detroit?  I really need it, lol. 

    BigFanofDrGreg 8 pts

    Dr. Greg and Kevin,

     

    I really loved the show and think you both are very brave.  It is one thing to put yourself out there and allow cameras to follow you around, but it is another to do it while trying to accomplish something that really matters, that also happens to be something you have dreaded for years, something serious.

     

    Throughout the show, Kevin was so supportive, and in such a kind way, he was a true inspiration to me.  And Greg, you did it!  You finally sat down with your dad and had some of those tough conversations that you thought were necessary in order to move on with your life, or to sort things out, or whatever.  

     

    I love to watch your lives.  You and Kevin are so funny, even when you are just sitting there eating breakfast or passing by in the house, or shopping, or meeting up with friends.  23 years together and you still seem to like each other.

     

    I cannot WAIT for the next adventure of Kevin and Dr. Greg.

     

     

    LilyL 1392 pts

    Odd, my Dad also forgot how he abused his kids.  Beat us!  In fact when I had my son he would actually give me parenting tips. I would look at him to see if he was kidding, but he wasn't.  I never had the nerve to bring it all up like you did.   Though, like you it would not have changed a thing.

     

    Congratulations on your marriage.  You guys looked so happy.  Your husband is a doll too I might add! 

    cs123456789 6 pts

     It was refreshing to see real people who are helping others find answers in their journey and are open to learning something from each experience.

     

    We are all imperfect beings - vulnerable and  damaged in some form. It is the strength to admit that and lets others try to gain from that which seperates us all.

     

    Thank you for a really good season. I hope Bravo starts to look at this kind of success as true success and starts to get back to programming that has value.I think this show has proven that- i hope it has.  I hope THe "Real housewives from hell's time is coming to an end. I also hope thii and other programming that is thought provoking and gives us a glimpses into people lives that  truly touch us and our emotions in a positive way need to successful and need the opportunity to shine.

     

    Good luck to you in your next chapter and in your continued  journey....

    judy@london 950 pts

    Thank you so much for sharing your life with us and for including your family relationships and your wedding on the show.I enjoyed every episode with you and your lovely husband and can't wait for next season.All the best to both of you.

    laltizio 83 pts

    Really love the show, you had me hanging on every word, which was always helpful, profound, inspiring, honest, and real. I cannot wait for the next season. I too have a parent that will not confess to their violent ways, I decided to let it go and tell myself, perhaps she had it worse than me, but that awful experience led to the incredible "will" and "determination" to be the best parent I could be. Your husband is adorable, I wish you the best of luck on your journey, and thank you so much for sharing it with us.