The Speakmans- AIBU to think they’re charlatans?

[Gobsmacking]

Just seen the Speakman’s on ITV and I am really surprised that they are considered therapist’s. They don’t seem to really listen to the person, they tell them what’s wrong with them ( generally something obvious imparted as though they are providing some profound insight) and then make person confront fear ( which I know is not recommended) whilst egging the poor person on in a two against one tag team fashion.
Person then does whatever Speakman’s cajole them to do and then the Speakman’s declare said person cured. And we see no follow ups to see if this is indeed the case and said person goes on to frolic with snakes/ get on a plane etc.
AIBU to say they are a pair of charlatans who probably shouldn’t mess about with people’s mental health?

They are basically life coaches so have "the chat" but they have branded themselves therapists which is misleading

Has anyone any knowledge of the people they are trying to 'help'?

ie, are the 'phobias' faked, or talked up from a mild dislike?

Because it's quite easy to legitimately (and televisually) help someone over a bit of a dislike of spiders or snakes. Helping someone over a genuine actual, life-affecting phobia is another thing altogether.

So maybe it's not them, maybe it's their subjects that are not quite right?

I’d love to hear from anyone who’s been ‘treated’ by them and how much they charge. I wonder if they’d make you sign a non-disclosure?

What if someone had a phobia of The Speakmans? Could they cure it?

I love watching the Speakmans! Mr Speakmans hair is incredible. I think Mrs Speakman cuts it for him, with nail scissors.
I like Mrs Speakmans voice too, it's very bossy but caring.
I do not however believe that they are particularly legitimate or effective. But entertaining, definitely.

They are charlatans trading in the 21st century equivalent of snake oil. The fact that they're on tv promoting their 'therapy' is terrifying. They've been given a platform (from which they've made a pile of money so I'm sure that don't care what anyone with a proper clinical qualification thinks. Think they 'treated' Kerry Katona ...

Makes a mockery of genuine psychotherapy training, drags the reputation of therapy down the sewers, gives the masses a completely skewed idea of how therapy for phobias works. Awful

@SandAndSea but that’s the point. I don’t think they do help people, it’s just a performance for tv- I don’t believe for a second that their ‘therapy’ does have any benefits beyond the tv studio.
I’m not sure about mean comments. Most posters have pointed out they are unqualified and not the experts they purport to be. Which isn’t mean it’s the truth.
The only people they are interested in helping is themselves.

I am sure but not positive when they treated Kerry katona she came off her bi polar medication.

I think the are weird!

@Gobsmacking Agree. They are utterly awful. Fake, naff, and laughable.

YANBU.

@mrsjayy !!! That sounds very dangerous, surely that cant be right? Please, anyone bipolar, don't be bewitched by Speakmans or similar.

Don't get me started on Supernanny.... Someone else with no discernible qualifications..

There are thousands of child care experts out there bit someone with no qualifications is given several TV series! 😁

I am not sure they can count KK as one of their successes. She appears to be a very troubled individual who is easily taken advantage of.

I have a real soft spot for them... and can't begin to tell you why! 🤣 but agree they are life coaches not therapists. I'd love to go and have Eva and Nik talk sternly but kindly to me about my fear of spiders 🙈

Going to get my coat now!

Presumably the diplomas from Newcastle University are in self- promotion
www.speakman.tv

The ASA has upheld complaints about posts on their Facebook page, citing unsubstantiated medical claims, but they still get airtime.

I got a huge turn off ITV years ago, I get they like to give reality stars their big break.
Alison from the first big brother decent presenter from reality TV.
I flicked over yesterday to see Jemma Collins on a red carpet, decided not much has changed.

They are unqualified, and are or at least were represented by CAN (former management of Katie Price, current management of Peter Andre) and a lot of their famous clients appear to have a CAN connection somehow. Not sure how they got in with CAN, but I suspect it's all a bit of an echo chamber now, where they are primarily dealing with people who are predisposed to believing what they have to say, or at very least have been persuaded by their shared managers to "believe".

Its v dodgy anyway!!

I know this is an old post bit I went to see them after having a breakdown thinking they could help me but they just made me for worse it was an awful experience, I hope people watching them on TV know they can not help any one