Psychology In Seattle Podcast The Psychology of the Menendez Bros (Chapter 1: OMG)
May 26, 2025
Dive into the gripping story of the Menendez Brothers, unraveling their wealth-fueled upbringing in 1980s Los Angeles. The hosts role-play therapeutic scenarios that highlight the emotional fallout from parental violence, challenging listeners to grapple with ethical dilemmas in therapy. They probe the complexities of client confidentiality versus the duty to report severe misconduct. This captivating narrative explores trust, trauma, and the blurred lines of therapist-client relationships, revealing the deeply unsettling dynamics at play.
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Eric's Confession to Therapist
- Eric confessed to his therapist that he and his brother killed their parents and described the violent crime in detail.
- The therapist recorded the session and involved his girlfriend to corroborate, highlighting a bizarre dynamic.
Therapist Ethics on Confessions
- Therapists face complex ethical issues when clients confess past crimes, balancing confidentiality with duty to protect.
- In Washington State, past murders disclosed by clients are generally not reportable unless ongoing harm is suspected.
Therapist Confronts Lyle Menendez
- The therapist called Lyle to confront him about Eric's confession during a session, a highly unusual and risky action.
- This confrontation led the therapist to fear for his safety as Lyle showed up furious.