Justin Bieber Allegedly ‘Seeing A Therapist’
Justin Bieber is allegedly seeing a therapist.
The claim comes via the UK’s The Daily Star newspaper, so obviously needs to taken with a vat of salt, given its appalling credibility track record. But, if true, this is good news for all sorts of reasons.
It’s claimed the 20-year-old “Baby” star is paying over $900 an-hour to see therapist John Kenyon, a Los Angeles-based shrink, after his multiple arrests and behavioral incidents.
A source allegedly told The Daily Star Bieber is enjoying the sessions, adding, “Kenyon’s treating Justin in person, when possible, then over Skype when he’s away.”
They added, “Sometimes they even have more than one session a day.”
Credibility issues abound when the Star claims Bieber reportedly used his celebrity status to help him jump Kenyon’s lengthy waiting list of patients.
The same alleged insider explained: “Kenyon’s so booked up he doesn’t normally take on new clients, but Justin used his name to skip the three-year waiting list.”
That may or may not be true. But it’s doubtful Bieber (or being realistic, someone from his management team) would have had to do any arm-twisting to reserve an alleged space on John Kenyon’s couch.
We’d be willing to bet most therapists are chomping at the bit to have a good old rummage through Bieber’s psyche after his over year and a half of acting out and legal run-ins.
While clickbait-obsessed media outlets, armchair-hardliners and any average internet troll are apparently itching to dump Bieber in Sing Sing and throw away the key – in reality, his teen and post-teen exploits are clearly screaming out for professional help, understanding and remedial action.
(Video: The “Boyfriend” star meeting fans in New York City on September 9, after stripping down at Fashion Rocks.)
Obviously, Bieber has his individual experience of the perks and pitfalls of trying to date, move about freely, deal with demanding fans and make his mistakes under the relentless scrutiny of media and law enforcement. But, the trope of the child star to wild teen is well established.
Think James Dean, Drew Barrymore, River Phoenix, Heath Ledger, Aaron Carter, Corey Haim, Brad Renfro, Brittany Murphy, Macaulay Culkin, Britney Spears, Michael Jackson and Amanda Bynes.
Whether they lived fast, died young, or are still here and either struggling or thriving, their stories tells us life in the lens is no walk in the park despite what it may look like from the outside. A decent therapist who can help a young star through a tough time can’t hurt, and is more useful than jail if entered into with focus.
The Daily Star’s source allegedly said of Bieber,”It’s too soon to tell if it’s having a positive effect, but the fact that Justin has kept it up and passed the first batch of sessions speaks volumes.”
There’s that credibility twinge again. There’s no such thing as “passing” in therapy. It’s not a test; it’s a process.
The tabloid claims the singer agreed to see therapist Kenyon on the encouragement of his mom, Pattie Mallette, who is said to be worried about her son’s behavior and its effect on his career.
The source added: “His mum Pattie suggested he should give it a go.”
“She’s constantly worried he’ll do something that will ruin everything he’s worked for. And he adores his mum so he agreed to do it for her.”
Like we said, this could all be bogus. But if not, we hope Bieber finds his alleged therapy sessions enlightening and helpful.
(Video: Bieber in a 2011 interview at 17-years-old talking about how his small town life in Canada changed after fame, and his thoughts on surviving its perils.)
