Press Briefing: May 2003
If you are a celebrity perhaps you should get out of there
The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) today calls on channels and companies producing reality television programming to adopt the Association's guidelines to protect members of the public, whether 'ordinary' or famous faces.
These guidelines were issued following indications that the public were being exploited. BACP is equally concerned about the ethical framework governing all proper forms of therapy.
For example, there is the strongest ethical requirement for any qualified psychotherapist, psychologist or counsellor to put a client's needs above other considerations, particularly if the latter include the commercial interests of broadcasters.
Evidence emerging from the press over the weekend suggests that:
- in one recent show, unacceptable pressure by therapists has been applied to contestants who wished to leave a programme
- a counselling session requested by the model Catalina Guirado while taking part in I'm a celebrity get me out of here (ITV1) was immorally manipulated: "I'd gone in and asked for a private counselling session with the show's psychiatrist. I was told she wasn't around but there was someone else I could talk to".
"I realised they were planning to use it on telly so I shut up straight away. I thought they were counselling me and they were just milking me". (News of the World, 11 May 2003).
Some may dismiss 'reality television' as the simplest light entertainment or say that those participating do so with their eyes wide open. However, therapists have a legitimate concern if 10 million viewers (or 13 million readers of a Sunday tabloid) are led to understand that bad therapeutic practice is typical or acceptable.
It is also arguable that famous high striving personalities may be in some ways more fragile than members of the general public and require even greater protection. "For the truth is that those who are desperate for celebrity status are often trying to fill a void in their lives. They may have low self-esteem and be seeking the kind of attention of which they have been deprived in their families "It is no coincidence that so many stars have difficult upbringings" (Psychologist Cynthia McVey).
BACP guidelines
Several TV production companies have already adopted these BACP standards. We urge others to do so at once. For further information, please contact: Phillip Hodson on 020 7794 2838 or email phillip@philliphodson.co.uk or Gladeana McMahon on 020 8852 4854 gladeana@dircon.co.uk
Can reality TV be ethical entertainment?
Publication of Statement of Good Practice by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and the launch of a New Advisory Service for production companies.
Background - BACP therapists have frequently been approached to provide psychological support for those participating in what has become known as 'Reality TV'. The main channels including the BBC, Sky and Channel 4 all broadcast such programmes. It is well known that members of the public find aspects of these programmes exploitative. But our members also complain about being treated disingenuously. They are sometimes expected to 'paper over the cracks' (perhaps with Kleenex) when participants cannot cope with rejection and disappointment. In one instance the Production Company made false promises to the programme psychologist who was still included in the final edit although she had disassociated herself from the enterprise.
Our BACP Helpline has received many calls from those who have appeared in such shows or watched them with dismay. Participants have talked about the lack of preparation they experienced in coping with the demands of the media, the impact of public recognition and managing their return to everyday life. BACP members have found themselves offering post-production counselling to both participants and viewers. We think four groups are made party to this potential exploitation and invasion of privacy "those on camera; the production staff; the consulting therapists as well as the viewers.
As a result, BACP has produced ethical guidelines for production companies. These aim to provide a framework that promotes good entertainment while guarding the integrity of those who take part. Following a successful pilot project, the BACP is also launching a Media Consultancy Service providing advice, information and guidance to production companies and their staff for all stages of the production process including ways of supporting individuals once programmes have ceased. This service also provides guidance and support to BACP members and can act as a mediating body if necessary.
Highlights from the Guidelines:
Managing Participant Expectations
- Participants to
be fully briefed about the possible consequences of going public so
that any consent is fully 'informed'. This may include information about handling celebrity status and returning to normal once the programme and all media interest may have ceased. - Participants can expect production companies to do all that is reasonable to ensure their emotional and personal well being before, during and after the programme making.
- Participants to be told the truth as to the type of programme and the role they would be expected to take. (It is suggested that a cooling-off period of one week may help those pondering the decision before signing up).
- The use of an independent party such as a trained accredited therapist to be used where appropriate.
- Participants to be fully briefed as to the type of general psychological support available and ways of accessing that support.
Programme Makers' Responsibilities
- To be guided by a relevant professional as to the possible psychological impact a programme may have on participants.
- To be clear about the role and expectations of any professional used and to ensure that this information is transmitted clearly to the person concerned.
- To provide all relevant information to participants and experts alike in written form wherever possible.
- To minimise the likelihood of inappropriate psychological support, programme makers are encouraged to use experts belonging to a recognised professional body that has a code of conduct and appropriate support structures to BACP standards.
- To provide routine access to psychological support after the programmes have been completed and transmitted.
Our Advisory Service to production companies involves brief introductory courses on counselling and counselling skills for production staffs; risk assessments and project analysis; the provision of trained therapists to appear on-camera as assessors plus the provision of accredited support services for emotionally vulnerable participants.
For further information, please contact: Phillip Hodson on 020 7794 2838 or email phillip@philliphodson.co.uk or Gladeana McMahon on 020 8852 4854, gladeana@dircon.co.uk