Ben and J. Lo: Could They Have Made It Work? -- Dallas psychotherapist shares study of celebrities self-destructive behaviors --

Catherine Burton has conducted extensive study in celebrity behaviors and how their fame leads to the self-destructive behavior that has become so stereotypical. Burtons vast knowledge and expertise in psychotherapy allow her a unique perspective on these high-profiled individuals who -- despite their fame, power and money -- lead troubled lives.

DALLAS, TX (PRWEB) September 20, 2003 --- Sept.18, 2003 -- It appears that the union of the year is officially off, but could J. Lo and Ben Affleck have made it work for a lifetime? Licensed therapist Catherine Burton says not unless they had changed their ways.

   J. Lo and Ben have both shown typical celebrity behavior," said Burton. Without some work, this marriage -- if it had gone through -- would have been another Hollywood statistic."

Burton has conducted extensive study in celebrity behaviors and how their fame leads to the self-destructive behavior that has become so stereotypical. Burtons vast knowledge and expertise in psychotherapy allow her a unique perspective on these high-profiled individuals who -- despite their fame, power and money -- lead troubled lives.
Burton contends that self-destructive celebrity behavior -- drug and alcohol abuse, physical violence, addictions -- is caused by the emotional gap left between the persons two personas, the person they were before they were famous and the idol they become. Are they still the small child from the Bronx, or are they really the mega-star worshipped by millions? Though they may have spent years refining the craft that garnered them fame, most are not prepared for the emotional void and identity confusion left by the gap in their two personas.
Ben Afflecks parents separated soon after his birth, officially divorcing when he was 11. Bens father, Tim Affleck, was an actor who was rumored to have spent his nights partying and chasing women. Though an indy" star in his early 20s, Ben reached superstardom after writing and starring in Good Will Hunting, along with his friend Matt Damon, for which they both won Oscars. Though reportedly scared of flying, Ben owns five motorcycles and even played the part of Daredevil in the movie, his favorite comic book character as a child. Sent to rehab for substance abuse, Affleck is quoted as having said, Fame is wasted on me."

That could very well be a statement of guilt," said Burton, of Ben feeling undeserving of the riches and privileges of fame."
A series of high-profile romances, including his with Gwyneth Paltrow, typify Afflecks behavior, noted Burton. With J. Lo, Affleck was taking an enormous risk. He was making big plans for his marriage to her, buying a six-carat $1.5 million pink diamond ring, as well as reportedly buying a $27 million mansion in Georgia. He was preparing to settle down and start a family.

Burton believes that Jennifer Lopez battles her own identity confusion. Her marriage to Ben Affleck would have been her third, after two within the past few years that have each last little more than a year. Is J. Lo set to repeat patterns such as stars like Elizabeth Taylor?
Burton feels that this marriage, if it does eventually happen, could be another short-lived Hollywood marriage. They would both need counseling to help heal this emotional gap," she noted. Without some serious work, we could be witnessing another train wreck."

   Catherine Burton, a Dallas-based licensed professional counselor, holds a B.A. in Psychology from University of Texas at Dallas, an M. A. in Psychology from Southern Methodist University, and is also a licensed professional counselor, as well as a licensed marriage and family therapist. She has extensive experience working with sexual trauma victims, court-ordered sexual offenders and alcohol and drug dependents, as well as patients who suffer from depression and anxiety disorders. Burton presently counsels individuals, couples, singles and families in a highly successful private practice with offices in Plano and Southlake, Texas. In addition, she conducts seminars and workshops on her innovative divorce recovery program. Burton is also developing a radio talk show Who Are You Listening To?" and frequently makes appearances on radio and television talk shows around the country. Burton enjoys a successful, 20-year marriage to her husband, Barry, with whom she lives in Dallas, Texas.            ###-