This is a message for Josh. This is your Aunt Kimberly. We're proud of you for having the courage to believe in yourself and who you are. I love you dearly.

Re:...Living with a secret.

My siblings will not reveal things about the past that could give closure and help in rebuilding a future...They lied about finance and business dealings..they are lying now about the job market and will not reveal what I need to get a job...they do not want me to escape marriage that is lewd , disgusting, and sure to inflict pain....they would have me married to someone of their choosing not mine...I like people that are kind, social, and fun...They like alcoholics, and bossy men...I escaped their marriage set ups many times now...but this is far from over.

My husband's family is probably the worst offenders of "well-kept secrets". The life they have is practically a lie; all because of his Grandmother.

In a nutshell, many years ago when his Grandmother was trying to find work as a single mother, she would lie to her employers about having children. She would tell them that her Daughter was actually her Sister, and her Sons didn't exist at all. It eventually spread to where, even with the men she dated, she perpetuated these lies. She also lied about her age, clipping off somewhere in the ballpark of 10 years off her actual age (which is now in her 70's).

These lies have perpetuated for some 30 years. My husband can't even call his Grandmother his Grandmother, he has to call her his Aunt. His Mom has to refer to her own mother as her sister.

I was always raised that blood was thicker than water, and family is the most important thing we have in this world. Lies of this magnitude make me wonder if his Grandmother even knows the truth about who and what she is anymore. She's lived a life of lies for so long... maybe it's now her only Reality.

Why didn't you ask Christina, the 20-year-old prostitue, if she has/would ever go back to that life?
I watched her for a whole season on Starting Over and even though she seems like a sweet person she also seems to miss the validation (read "exorbitant sums of money") that she raked in while turning tricks.
So she has a GED because of Starting Over. How happy will she be working for minimum wage at Denny's? Where DOES work right now ? How is she supporting herself and her son? Is she ever tempted to go back to the streets?
And why didn't you mention that she is a Starting Over graduate? Or ask why she chooses to put her past onTV for her son to have thrown in his face when he gets older? How can she - and her son - possibly move on from this negartive exposure at such a young age? She is almost a baby herself.
And you never did get he answer to what the catalyst was for her decision to get out of prositution and tell her Mom the truth about her profession?
Did you or your producers even bother to watch her evolution on Starting Over? I thought not. Pity. You left your audience (especially those millions of us who follwed Christina's trials and journey to self esteem) hanging by not asking the questions that fairly begged to be asked.
Her season on Starting Over referred vaguely to her "escortt? background, instead choosing to dub her quest as "Trying to Quit 'the Hustle.'" Much was left to the viewer;s imagination. We were left wondering if she ever did get her porrn pictures off the Web; Did she ever relapse back into the comfortable Easy Street thinking that led her to prostitution at age 16?
We want to know if she has kept the authentic self she worked so hard to achieve? How does she feel about living on 1/100th of her previous income? You could have answered all those questions but you didn't even ask her the questions.
You missed the boat Dr Keith by not devoting the whole hour to Christina. You barely scratched the surface of this very conflicted and intriguing young woman and her all-too-common plight.
Too often your show races from family to family, segment to segment, leaving edification, clarification and entertainment trampled in the stampede. This was one of those times.

I just have to say that from being on the show. Things with my mom have changed. If your wondering who this is Josh the 17 year old who is gay. The show did help me and my mom. And I just wanted to say thanks to Dr. Keith.
Joshua

I was very dissappointed with the show titled "Secrets Revealed". I am a Born Again Christian and felt that Dr Ablow was very one sided and did not do his job in truly listening to what the mother was saying regarding her homosexual son. She in no way said that she did not love or accept her son. She did in fact say that she could not accept her son's choices. What a hard decision for that mother to make, but it could not be the best decision for him. What have you gained if you gaim the world, but lose your soul. According to God's Word, homesexuality is a sin and NO sins, not just homosexuality, are accepted by God. As the mother stated there is grace for sin. I myself, have been saved by grace. The Bible says we ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of God. But through him, we can be saved.
I do not I am sick and tired of Christians not having the ability to stand by God's Word without being ridiculed. I hope that in future shows, Dr. Ablow will look at how he is contributing to the attack on Christianity and to the vaulues that they stand for. Why is it that there is "tolerance" for every other group accept for Christians?

I am a 36 young woman in trouble. I struggle everyday. This "trouble" that I am in has become for me a way of life. I want to quit. I dream of the day that I can quit. I wonder if I can quit. I am a bulimic!!! I cry as I write this as just not too long ago was the first time in eighteen years that someone heard my screaming. Someone finally heard my call for help. I can't remember the exact time when I experienced my first episode. It seems very vague to me and so long ago I can however remember vividly many times during the last two years of high school when I would "purge" whatever we had eaten for dinner that night. Back then dinner was usually the only thing that I would purge. Over the course of my twenties it became any meal of the day as many time as I needed 4 to 5 times. Since hitting my thirties it had stopped for a while but know it has spiraling out of control again. I have become a bulimic that both binges and purges, I used to take laxatives, diet pills and diuretics that I can afford. I have even tried smoking a lot of pot to help me with my problem. Of course there is a good side to my story, I promise. After trying to reach out on two occasions to my mother and to my to my ex-boyfriend, I had the courage to come clean once more to my current husband and the love of my life, Gilbert. He heard me crying on the inside and looked close enough see this weak and helpless young woman that I've become. There have been days when I would devour as much food as I can get down and vomit up to six to seven times currently I vomit 2-3 times a day. Depending on what kind of day I am having and how stressed I feel. I have suffered from heartburn and dehydration, heart pain, sharp burning pain going down my left arm as I am purging and a kidney infection that I think had to do with my bulimia. I've had to have a lot of dental work due cavities and from the acids wearing off my enamel. I've lived with swollen cheeks and reddened eyes and a bloated stomach for constipation for about 18 years. I decided to take a deep breath once again to do more research on getting help. I went online and found many websites educating me about my sickness. It was an extremely difficult thing to do. I've had a very hard time dealing with accepting the fact that I truly need to do something about it because it is just not ever going to go away if I just keep pushing it under the rug. I believe that there are many contributors to why I have become the way I am. A great deal is psychological and stems from not knowing my real father and mother. I put my mother in the picture because I feel she simply dismissed me and refused to listen to my screams for help. I’m not sure that my step father to this day does not know. I am so angry at them and do blame them for who I am today as much as I thank them for it. On the outside I am great. I am have a associate’s degree from Fresno State in business health admiration and would like to go back to get my masters, but not sure what I want to become. I have gotten burned out from the medical field so I think I need to something else but not sure what?

I am a warm, cheerful, caring individual. I'll give you the shirt off my back if you need. What I want though is for someone other than my husband of 3 months but altogether about 7 years, to listen to me, to give me their shirt. I need help. I’ve had a few session with a social workers threw the years but have been unable to return because of financial reasons and the fact that I’m scared to let my bulimia go, I believe that at this point I need to get inpatient help but again the Financial part is overwhelming . I wish that I could say that my binging and purging have stopped completely, but it has not. I m really scared that I will not have a tomorrow with my son Izac and my wonderful husband..
Please help me!!!!

Ana C

10/20/06

I could not believe my eyes! On Oct.26 2006 you had on a lady named Christina. I saw her before on another show. It was called "Starting Over" on NBC chan.4 in LA area.What gives?I thought she got her life together and was doing fine. Well,that's all I got.Good Bye.With regards,Maria

This show and the panel of guests is a true benchmark for what I believe Dr. Keith is truly capable of. The advice given and the encouragement to be honest and truthful from the beginning is very healthy and healing. Although I don't agree with the homosexual lifestyle, I feel it is important to hate the sin and not the person. No matter what a child does, there is still the basic love that a parent does and should have for their offspring. Christina's story now has a happy ending but she could have suffered a disasterous end because of her pride and stubborness... hopefully others will learn that family is there for you in times of trouble. Alex is so very lucky to have a wonderful sister, mother and only time will tell who can come to terms with the truth which is not always pretty... yes, we are all very vulnerable and sadly a lot of people like to stick their heads in the sand. As far as the guy who assaulted Kyle violently.. he should be the one to be forced out of the military. Kyle will be fine, he seems to be very strong.

This message is for Alex, the young woman who was victim of a date rape. I went through the same thing 20 years ago. The District Attorney thought we had a good case, but the peer pressure was SO intense that I was afraid to testify in court. I now live with the regret that my rapist may have gone on to rape other women. You should be very proud of yourself for following through to prosecution. I admire your strenghth.

I am often amazed by the fact that people such as you (I don't mean that disrespectfully; I believe you do much good) believe that in order for a Christian to be the right kind of Christian, he/she has to accept any kind of behavior undconditionally. The Scripture teaches unequivocally that homosexuality is wrong, and although I am never rude, I am bound by God not to accept it. I feel sorry for that dear mother, because I have a close relative that is homosexual and if you go to that individual he/she will tell you that there is no quesion he/she feels loved by me and is never mistreated by me, but he/she also will tell you that I have made it perfectly clear that God does not want his children to accept sinful behavior. I believe that the grace of God, which the mother talked about, is available to those who want to change. I do not want to be on the show but I hope that in the future you will not be so one-sided when it comes to Christians and moral behavior. Thanks for taking the time to read this, although I am sure you do not agree with it.

i just wanted to say that on the show you had about secrets was great. I just want to talk about the redhead guy that was in the army, he should not stop going forward on his dream to be a political leader. he can still be someone in his comunity and if not there at home somewere else. he has a dream and should fulfill it . plus he is very cute.

THE LAST TWO SHOWS FOR ME WERE SO ENLIGHTNING. I AM A RECOVERING ADDICT AND THE SHOW WITH THE MOM WHO GAVE UP THE PILLS BUT STILL CONTINUED TO DRING AND DO PRESCRIPTION PILLS CAUGHT MY EYE. MOST OF US ADDICTS WHO BEGIN RECOVERY THINK THAT YOU CAN SWITCH ADDICTIONS,YOU JUST CAN'T. I LIKED THE COMMENT WHEN DR.KEITH SAID FOR US ONE DRINK IS HARMFUL. WE ARE NOT THE "NORM". FOR US ADDICTS ONE IS TOO MANY. I THANK YUO SO VERY MUCH FOR THAT SHOW. I WISH YOU WOULD DO A SHOW ON KIDS AFTER THEIR PARENTS HAVE BEEN SOBER FOR A WHILE AND PROBLEMS THEY ARE STILL FACING. I HAVE A PRE-TEEN THAT IS GOING THROUGH THIS. I THANK YOU. YOU ARE WONDERFUL.

Chritine failed to mention that she spent sometime in the "Starting Over House" and that is when she told her mom her dirty little secret. Also the life coaches thought the mom was whacko for letting her marry (she had to sign for her) at 16. They thought she was very manipulative.

Watching your program on secrets really hit home because I know what secrets can do,see I am a closet homosexual for 40 years now at 58 years old It does not matter If I come out or not

Dear DR. Keith

You make fastidious,Comments about Sex Offenders, I Myself am an Ex sex Offender, My Crime was Committed, over twenty Years ago, Since I did My time, and My Treatment, and Completed it and passed with Flying colors, My Treatment, I was Going through, this Facility, for trearment, the People who have gone through this Treatment, 1.1 % Reoffend, And this Facility,Detainees Wont be releaseed, if they are considered A threat to Society.

That is how Observant this Facility is,I am one of the 99.9%, of those who will not Reoffend, But In My State, I have to register every Year, According to State laws, The......Statute Of Limitations Go back to 1956, I was n't even Born then, I was Born six years, later; My crime was Committed, In 1986.

So what do You Suggest I do, I am Not the Monster they, make me out to be, I am Considered, a Level two Sex Offender, when Actually I'm a Level Zero Sex Offender, Meaning, I am Not any Risk, but this State, Considers me a Tier level 2 sex Offender, which is, a Moderate, risk. the People that know Me,know I am Not this Monster, they make me out to be!!!!!!!!!!!

Do you have some sort of Solution to this Matter at hand, or do You Support this sanction? Let Me know!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sincerely
Greg

I was so dissappointed with the "Secrets Revealed" show. You tried made the Susan, mother of the gay teen, seem like a monster of some sort because she is a Christian who believes that his choice of lifestyle is wrong.
There is some huge misconception in this world that in order to be "tollerant" we have to accept every single part of every person. This is simple untrue. We can accept people without agreeing with them 100%. Susan would be untruthful if she didn't express the fact that she thought his lifestyle was wrong and that there are consequences of that lifestyle. It is not her place to continue to constantly bombard him with the message "You are going to hell" but I didn't get the sense that she is actually doing that. She may not be as loving as he would like but there is obviously a barrier he is putting up as well because he knows his mother doesn't approve.
I wish everyone would stop portraying every Christian as intollerant hate mongers!

Secret Revealed Living the truth. (Aired Thursday 10-26-06)

I wanted to comment on the sons who told their mothers they are gay. Yes, I do believe these women truly love their sons; but they do not love the lifestyle they have chosen. I am a lady minister and I have a son who is gay. When he was growing up we thoroughly taught and he knows the principles of God. I do not argue with him about those principles........... Why? Because HE KNOWS! I love him no differently then I do when I didn't know he was gay. I love and respect my son. He loves and respects me. God has given ME peace. So I encourage you too parents of gay and lesbian children to "stay encouraged" and
pray that God's Will might be manifested in the lives our children. Because His grace IS sufficient and He is STILL able!

Louise
in PA

I was watching your show, Secrets Revealed: Living The Truth. I recognized one of your guests-Christina Bounds. I was upset and dissapointed that you didn't let her credit her healing to the Starting Over show. That's how she got out of what she was doing and it also healed her relationship with her mom. I thought you would have told the whole truth to the story but that's not the case.

Dr. Keith is a revolutionary. I've experienced severely traumatic events in my young life and such events have disabled my self confidence while trying to acheive huge goals, such as screenplay writing and making films. I can't hold a job because of severe depression, and the counselors i've seen in the past have only depressed me more because they weren't helping me identify what was truely wrong, and instead tried to push drugs on me. When i was younger i had the dream of revolutionizing psychology and psychiatry by bringing light to how people can really gain a lot from talking to a compassionate person like Dr. Keith Ablow, while perscription drugs are more like a gateway drug currently because they're so over prescribed. So basically what i'm saying is that Dr. Keith Ablow's compassion and sincerity shown to all of his guests is my dream actualized for how I believe therapy should really be, instead of the drug pushers and counselors lacking in sincerity like I've met. I look at psychology as more or less my religion... christians will point out everything you do wrong but wont take the time to see why you would do something "wrong", vs. psychology is a look into your whole life to figure out why you are where you are today, whether you're a soccer mom, scam artist, or murderer. I really appreciate the Dr. Keith Ablow show humanizing EVERYONE, even Mr. Karr i believe his name was..... When people can take the time to understand that even murderers, bums, criminals, etc. are products of their experiences, then we should be able humanize everyone. Thank you Dr. Keith Ablow for humanizing everyone.

as though this mother could not know about her son at his age and his femaninity,I dont think the real problem was addressed,they have an issue with comunications

hi i just watch about your show on thursday October 26,2006. I really think the parents and friends should understand that GOD loves everyone and anyone no matter who and what they are. They should think about how the person feels with how they think about them. So think what you are doing to the emotionaly. I have a brother that says away from all of us and that just inst righr to all of us he is still our BROTHER nomatter if he is GUR HE IS STILL THE PERSON GOD gave us love him he needs it from his family and close friends. LOVE TO ALL OF YOU EMMA

Dear Dr. Ablow,
Good Afternoon. I am sitting her watching your show today about children being raped and prosecuting. Please let them girls know that is fantastic and I fight for them. If they every need my support they can contact me at my email address. I went through the same thing when I was a child except I was not so lucky to have parents who BELIEVED me. When I was 11 years old my uncle started to rape me. Up until I turned 18 I constantly told parents, aunts, etc.... But nobody would believe me. All I ever heard was "He could not be doing that to you, do you need help from a doctor. Are you playing with your mind for attention". Then at 18 I prosecuted him MYSELF. All he got was a "Sweetheart Deal". I am 39 yrs. old so you know the time difference. Then when I prosecuted him myself, I LOST THAT WHOLE SIDE OF MY FAMILY. It was my mom's side. Till this day, they still do not talk to me. I was called so many names in the book. I know how the girl feels. Thank God, she has support. It hurts, and yes, the memories and pain seem to stay forever. It is always in the back of your mind. I still think about it, as you can see by me writing. I am so happy she has support from her family. IT MEANS ALOT to have that support. I DID NOT. Please, let the kids know that they will survive with family help and GOD. I also want to tell you, Dr. Ablow what a wonderful show you have on each day. You are great. Thanks and God bless.
Sincerely,
Michele

I just watched Thursdays show. My son is gay and we are a christian household. I love my son forever. But I hate him being in the gay community. He knows how I feel and I explained he changed and I will not change my beliefs in the bible, to fit into his lifestyle. I have dinner with his partner. But they can never stay overnight in our home. As neither can our other son and his girl
friend.

The women on TV named Susan. I felt so sorry for her. Because the gay community is all embrassing and supportive of the gay lifestyle. Parents should have such a strong support system. Dr. Keith you know people are not born gay. That study was bias in the 70's. Please show both sides of the gay card on your show.
Parents hearts just ache. Because yes I want my son to have a good and happy life. But are lives last maybe 80 years. I want eternal happiness for my son
spending it with GOD, not eternal torment.
If your child was in a burning building wouldn't you do everything to save them.

Same as if someone you love is not following GOD's word.
Their path will lead to hell.

I just wanted to say I watched the Dr. Keith show today (thursday) and saw josh and his mom on the show. I went througha similar situation with my mom and dad...and still going through it. :/ Ao major props for trying to resovle your relationship between you and your mom, josh. I wish my mom was willing to resolve the issues with me and her. You are very cute by the way! :) Good luck with your relationship with your mom! Take care!
Tommy

ALEX..THANK YOU FOR BEING HONEST ABOUT THE ASSULT. I AM 45 NOW AND WHEN I WAS 18 I HAD A FRIEND I TRUSTED ASSAULT ME. I WAS TO AFRAID TO PUSH TO HAVE HIM ARRESTED BUT, I CANT TELL YOU HOW MANY TIMES IN MY LIFE THAT I HAVE REGRETED THAT DECISION..WHEN I WATCHED YOU IT FELT GOOD TO SEE SOMEONE DO WHAT I HAD ALWAYS WISHED I HAD DONE..BE PROUD OF WHO YOU ARE..ALL THESE YEARS LATER TO SEE YOU TELL YOUR STORY MADE ME FEEL A COMPASSION AND BOND FOR SOMEONE WHO WILL SURVIVE THIS AND ANYTHING ELST THAT COMES YOUR WAY..TAKE CARE AND BE PROUD..I WISH THE BEST FOR YOU....