By Dr. Zev Ballen
Six years ago I got a call from a Rabbi who wanted me do psychotherapy with his nephew who was charged with molesting six of his own children. The Rabbi told me that the family court and the Bais Din (Jewish Court) both agreed that his nephew be separated from his family, attend therapy and refrain from visiting his children. I met with the man, but he denied the charges against him and saw no reason to come for therapy. It did not take long to see that not only would he not be compliant with treatment, but he was continuing to see his children in violation of both court orders.
On another occasion, I saw a 14 year old developmentally disabled girl from a large religious sect. The case had been brought to the Jewish court by the principal of the special school where she attended. The school social worker said that the girl's mood had become agitated and depressed; and that she was especially frightened to get on the bus at the end of the school day and go home. Her developmental challenges prevented her from verbalizing her feelings, but her drawings spoke even louder than words: she drew about her terror and rage in the context of explicit sexual content that was neither age-appropriate or culturally appropriate - especially considering her strictly insulated background. After a few sessions, the girl's father confessed that he was indeed living with his daughter as though she were his wife and felt that he had every right to do so. The father's claim to his daughter was in fact so strong that he threatened to board a plane to Israel with his daughter if anyone would interfere with his situation at home. See the full article right here.
With Blessings Always,
Dr. Zev Ballen
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