Denise Richards says Sam, Lola are in therapy

The nasty divorce between Charlie Sheen and Denise Richards has landed their two daughters — 4-year-old Sam and 3-year-old Lola Rose — in therapy, Denise recently revealed to In Touch Weekly.  "It’s very sad that they need to be there, but they do for now" Denise said, adding,

On the other hand, it’s good they have an outlet to deal with their feelings and someone who is just their advocate.

The 37-year-old actress said she hopes that by being honest about the help she’s sought for her daughters, it will in turn help other parents who find themselves in similar circumstances.

If I can help anyone feel better about their kids being in therapy — then something else good has come of this, too.

Source: In Touch Weekly; Photo by INF.

Comments

awww, that IS sad. They are so little to be in therapy. I hope it helps them cope. At least Denise must have realized they needed something.

- tink1217 on June 25th, 2008

Denise and Charlie both seem like good parents. I wish they would put all of this drama aside and concentrate on raising two healthy and happy girls. I think the parents should look into therapy too put aside their differences. Best of Luck.

- Godiva on June 25th, 2008

PLEASE DO NOT SAY THAT THIS IS CHARLIE’S FAULT THAT THEY ARE IN THERAPY… IT IS DENISE’S FAULT… WE ALL KNOW THAT CHARLIE IS GOING TO BE BLAMED FOR THIS..CHARLIE AND DENISE BELONG IN THERAPY TOGETHER TO GET THINGS OUT INSTEAD OF USING THE MEDIA AS AN
OUTLET

- GARY APPLETON on June 25th, 2008

Im glad these girls are getting help. Denise needs to stop going public with information like this. The only negative comments the public hears are from her not her ex.

- jill on June 25th, 2008

NO1 NEEDS THEROPY U WHACK JOB. THEROPY=CULT.THEY GOTTA BAN THAT

- NICOLE on June 25th, 2008

I think its great that they are in therapy. A lot of people should be but aren’t, really a therapist just listens to your feelings and helps you feel better (as far as I know), so I definitely don’t see anything wrong about it.

A lot of children of divorced parents have a hard time adjusting.

- Natasha on June 25th, 2008

I guess dating bad boys isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, especially for the children.

- Lynn on June 25th, 2008

I just wish that Denise wouldn’t feel the need to share everything with the press. These poor little girls need some privacy.
Therapy will be good for them, I hope as well in the future that Denise and Charlie will try and be civil to each other.

- Louise on June 25th, 2008

Those poor little girls. I really hope therapy works for them so they don’t grow up to be the next generation of Lindsay Lohans or Paris Hiltons. And I agree with the previous post, as cute as they are, I wish Denise would just not talk about them and let them live a private life and have a chance at normalcy.

- Nicole on June 25th, 2008

I agree with other posters, these girls need privacy & sharing the fact that they are in therapy is too much in my opinion.

- Jess on June 25th, 2008

I understand they are both angry with one another – but this is ridiculous. They are adults (even if only by age) and this has to stop! They are acting like petulant children. The information they are sharing regarding their children is grossly inappropriate. They have every right to hate one another, but the moment those children were born – they were obligated to behave with at least a minimal level of decorum. They owe that to their children, if nothing else. Therapy is good, telling the world about it, not so much perhaps.

- Samantha on June 25th, 2008

Good parents? Hardly, from what I see. Denise needs to stop publicizing her kids and learn some healthy boundaries with the press.

What these kids need now is structure, privacy, and from what their mother says, therapy… along with two divorced parents who can co-parent peacefully.

- nosoupforyou on June 25th, 2008

I agree with the above posters, it’s time to stop. She and Charlie have taken this to epicly ridiculous proportions and it’s to the detriment of those precious girls. I don’t know why she felt the need to tell that they are in therapy, not a living soul who’s aware of the situation DIDN’T think those girls weren’t going to end up on a therapist couch before long anyway.

It’s like a tennis match between them constantly. I’m waiting for Charlie’s response now blaming her for getting them in there and telling about it, then her rebuttal that it was Charlie’s fault complete with evidence, then his rebuttal against her rebuttal before it all ends up before a judge and another round starts again. These kids have another 14 and 15 years respectively until they can legally and personally extricate themselves from this mess, it would be nice if they weren’t forced to run for the hills before that.

- Grayson's Girl on June 25th, 2008

hmmm perhaps they wouldn’t need therapy if they’re parents grew up and stopped bickering back and forth especially to the media!! I don’t doubt that Denise and Charlie love them to pieces but they obviously don’t always put the children first when it comes to other things. JMO of course!

- J.M. on June 25th, 2008

poor little girls! i like denise richards a lot but i think her and charlie need to stop feuding..
i watched an episode of Oprah and she was talking about what divorce can do to little ones. that episode really helped me a lot when dealing with my 19 month old and my 3 year old. i appluad denise for putting the girls in therapy but i personally couldnt do that.

- melanie on June 25th, 2008

I’m glad they’re getting help but it pisses me off that they need it in the first place. Few things pisses me off. Adults who can’t act like adults for the sake of their kids are one thing that makes me bloody GAAAAH! Shame on you, Denise and Charlie, shame! Grow up and bury your prides and take care of your girls the way they deserve.

- Hea on June 25th, 2008

Maybe she is just trying to beat the media since they seem to find out everything anyway. I’m sure it would be extremely hard being in the public eye, it would be really hard being judged by so many.

- michelle on June 25th, 2008

I am sure the little girls will be fine with no long lasting effects. They can sense your body language and it probably hasn’t been great from either parent. Kids are very intuitive as to the vibe, what’s going on.

- Danica on June 25th, 2008

I don’t think it’s anything shameful. We could probably all have used counseling or therapy at some point in our lives. I think it’s good that she’s letting other mothers know that it’s okay and not a failure of their mothering.

- terri on June 25th, 2008

I’m sure the reality show on E! is really helping these little girls cope with life and live “normally”. Not exactly Mother-of- the-Year material, in my opinion.

- ang on June 25th, 2008

While I agree that it’s important to respect the girls’ privacy, many people on this site have posted comments questioning whether or not the girls are in therapy. I think Denise was probably just trying to answer that question. People criticize her so much, no matter what she does. If she’d just kept her mouth shut, the questions would have been left unanswered,and some people would have assumed that they’re not in therapy, and would have then gone on to label Denise a “bad mother.” I just don’t understand why every move that they make has to be criticized.
Also, Denise made a very good point by mentioning that by making this public, she could encourage other parents to get help for their children. I think that therapy is a good thing, and I don’t think that it should be made out to be so embarrassing. Most people wouldn’t think to put such young children in therapy, but Denise decided to, and I think that is a very admirable decision. Hopefully her comments will lead others in similar situations to do the same. And besides all of that, the post says nothing about Denise bringing up the subject. I may have missed some other information, but perhaps she was approached by In Touch about it, and chose to explain. I don’t know, I just got the impression that she didn’t really want to talk about it.

- Morgan on June 25th, 2008

Must she air everything in her and her girls’ lives? This is probably part of the reason they are in therapy in the first place. Now she’s trying to make it seem like she’s just being “helpful”. She can justify everything that she wants but, in my humble opinion, she really needs to just keep quiet and concentrate on her daughters so they can heal in peace. Why keep drawing attention to them????

- Angel on June 25th, 2008

I’d love to believe that Denise is telling us this for the reason that Terri suggested, but this is just the tip of the ice burg. She is ALWAYS giving too much information IMO and it seems like most of what she says is geared towards getting back at Charlie, or making him look bad in some way. He’s not innocent by any means, but this particular post is about Denise.

As someone who has a degree in psych and plans to get a PhD in clinical psych, I believe it’s important to break down the stereotypes surrounding therapy. However, therapy is CONFIDENTIAL. IMO, if a celeb wants to talk about his or her PERSONAL experience with a therapist, terrific! But, I think it’s a violation of children’s privacy for their parents to discuss their therapy.

- MB on June 25th, 2008

I feel for the little girls; I’ve got no sympathy for Denise Richards. What goal is she trying to achieve by telling the press that her daughters are in therapy? It comes off as a ploy for sympathy and frankly, if she still can’t see the role she has played in them needing therapy that is narrow-minded. I’m beginning to think Charlie Sheen was 100% correct when he attempted to bar the kids from being on Denise’s show.

- Erica on June 25th, 2008

i dont understand her need to continue to tell us about things that are none of our buisness.. i guess if she keeps it up long enuff we will think charlie really is the worst daddy in the world.. not.. she is sure intent on keeping up with her 15 minutes in the spotlight.. what a shame for those poor girls.. heres hoping that they dont grow up to be like their mom.

- melissa on June 25th, 2008

I don’t understand the stigma of being in therapy…why is talking about her daughters being in therapy crossing the line? It’s nothing to be embarrassed of, and seems to be the healthy thing to do in such a rough divorce.

- Kerri on June 25th, 2008

I agree Morgan and Terri. No one here knows other parents would not feel bad about their children being in therapy, just seeing alot of these comments prove that. Some of you act like therapy is the worst thing ever.No wonder some parents would feel embarrassed or hurt about their child being in therapy because some people would blame it on them and call them bad parents just like some of these comments do to Denise.

- Renee on June 25th, 2008

For those of you who think some of us are embarrassed about kids being in therapy: I myself don’t see anything embarrassing about it at all. But there is really no need whatsoever to talk about everything that goes on in your children’s lives. What’s next? Will she share how she treats their constipation and diarrhea in order to “help” others? I just see this as Denise’s way to get more attention drawn to herself and using your children for that purpose is sad.

- Angel on June 25th, 2008

I have no problems whatsoever with a child being in therapy…I applaud a responsible parent (although I am not really saying she qualifies as responsible). I know personally what a tough time a child can have with divorce. Here’s my issue with her: is SHE in therapy? Until she is, I don’t think she’ll ever resolve the root of the problem between her and her ex-husband. It will just keep going, and going, and going…I think they ALL need to be in therapy, not just the kids!

- Ang on June 25th, 2008

Is there a possiblity in a California case of a judge issuing a gag order to protect the minor children from media-hungry parents like these two?

- Caroline on June 25th, 2008

The people who need to be in therapy are Charlie and Denise.

- chris on June 25th, 2008

I agree with Angel. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being in therapy. I have seen a therapist before and am open about it if I think it will help someone else, but it is my right to decide who I tell and who i don’t tell. I would hate it if my mom told every little detail to people, especially with something as personal as therapy. It is not embarrassing, just personal. Just as it’s not a bad thing to have an illness or something like that, it’s also not something you share with everyone. Denise has no right to disclose this information to the whole world, especially since her girls aren’t old enough to make their own personal decisions and tell her their feelings on the situation.
All that being said, I’m glad they are in therapy because those two girls really need a mature adult in their life.

- K on June 25th, 2008

It’s not shameful, but it is sensitive information that these girls may wish was never put out there in the first place by a mother who should have a little more discretion (among a HOST of other topics and statements).

You know, at this point I think that Denise and Charlie are not acting in the best interest of their children considering the very public and CONSTANT nature of their divorce battle. We all agree that we feel for these two little girls- is there any way CBB can put a halt on any Denise/Charlie posts until they knock off the public bickering? I don’t think they should be rewarded here of all places for their poor decisions when it comes to their two young daughters.

(and for the record- let me just add that I am THRILLED that these girls are in therapy because I am positive that they will benefit from it, even, or especially, at this young age. The bad decisions I’m talking about revolve around the constant need to use the girls as a point of contention and putting out public statements about each other and their personal/family lives that no child should have to be exposed to.)

- chatty cricket on June 25th, 2008

I wish Charlie and Denise had court appointed therapy for themselves, so we are not constantly hearing nasty things about the other parent, that is ultimately what is bringing stress to these children, if the kids are in therapy- great- but they are not going to get any better if these two don’t learn to keep talking each other down in front of these two kids.

- Ivey on June 25th, 2008

I think that this is the perfect example of two people who need to completely remove themselves and their families from the public spotlight (and yes it is possible!).

They need to stop airing their dirty laundry for the world to see. Just imagine if those two little girls need therapy now what’s going to happen when they get older and they read all of this crud on the internet. It’s sick really.

- Rachel on June 25th, 2008

Wow, my life complete now that I know those two little girls are in therapy!

Btw, if no one figure it out, I was being totally facetious there.

What was the purpose of Denise’s announcement. Sure, it could bring awareness of the need for therapy to help children of divorce, but I found it most curious that while Denise was all too eager to share rather personal psychological information about her children she is not forthcoming about her own therapy.

Unless Denise thinks she is above any need for therapy? Perhaps she needs to take a long look at herself and her actions and wonder perhaps a lot of things she has said and done toward their father might be a direct cause of her children’s psychological trauma over the divorce.

Oh, Charlie doesn’t get off scot free here. He needs his own long-term therapy as he is just as guilty as Denise in this little bickering war they have had going for how long, 2 years now?

*sighs*

Just a really discouraging situation to read where parents continue to not take responsibility for their actions.

- DLR on June 25th, 2008

My heart breaks for these little girls. Charlie and Denise BOTH need to grow up and start putting their daughters first!

- Michelle on June 25th, 2008

Just to clarify my earlier comments, I agree that there is nothing at all shameful about therapy and that this will be a great benefit to Sam and Lola. But there is no need for Denise (or Charlie) to continue putting their private business out there–I shudder thinking about the kinds of things their daughters can read about on public record when they get older. Denise especially tries very hard to come off as a normal, misunderstood single mom, but her actions don’t align with her words. Instead of talking about doing what is best for her daughters, SHE should be their #1 advocate by not publicly fighting with their dad at every turn. PS Denise’s father Irv seems like a huge sweetheart. I wish he could raise Sam and Lola.

- Erica on June 25th, 2008

I think some people are getting confused. We are not putting Denise down for putting her girls in therapy (we applaud it!) but we are upset that she is disclosing this VERY sensitive information to the public! It’s just not right that she gave this information to the public.

That being said, it is good news to hear that Sam and Lola are in therapy. They definitely will need an outlet for everything. I know I (and many other people) would benefit from therapy!

- Stephany on June 25th, 2008

Is it any wonder that those poor girls are in therapy? Also. why is it that Denise needs to tell the press about this? To prove that she is a good mother? It just seems like every time she and Charle speak out publicly they always seem to open their mouth and insert their feet! Can you imagine what it will be like when these poor little girls go to school? Also, not that therapy is anything to ever be ashamed of but that is something that is very personal and should be kept private!

- Robin on June 25th, 2008

If anyone watches her show, she is in extensive therapy, especially for the death of her mom.

Did anyone watch this week? Lola was SO CUTE saying grandma was her angel (and then the accidental burping!)

- SM on June 25th, 2008

I don’t see anything wrong with her admission, if anything, good for her for being able to admit that she’s provided her kids an outlet to talk about their feelings!

How many people have talked about how she doesn’t do right by the kids, playing armchair critics, so this woman is forced to put this information out there to defend her parenting.

Denise is like Britney Spears, darned if she does and darned if she doesn’t. Had Charlie announced this or a third party, then Denise would be attacked for not being “honest” with people about the girls therapy. She tells the truth to explain how the girls cope with the divorce, she’s a media whore. No matter what she does, she’s in the wrong.

- Mary-Helen on June 25th, 2008

Re: SM’s post

Oh, that explains therapy for Denise. Good on her that she used her show to publicize her therapy. *rolls eyes*

While it is indeed better to hear that Denise is taking responsibility and seeking help, it is just still not right for her to use the media to say things like this about her children. Their lives are tough enough as it is without the world knowing they’re kinda messed up what with their parents pointing fingers at each other in public.

I hope this doesn’t backfire on Denise in the future when those girls read media
archives and see how much their mum “exploited” them.

*sighs again*

- DLR on June 25th, 2008

Maybe it’s just because she is older and more aware, but Sam seems a bit overwhelmed on the reality show and maybe just her whole situation (she is really attached to her lovey) whereas Lola seems unruffled by anything.

- Donna on June 25th, 2008

I’m so sick of these two picking at each other and then involving the media hinting (or flat out accusing) that the other parent of messing up their kids.

Is Denise telling everyone about the therapy in hopes that people will get upset with Charlie? I wish both of them would get over their issues, grow up. Lola and Sam act more mature than their parents.

- Jen on June 26th, 2008

I saw an episode of It’s Complicated the other night and no wonder those girls are in therapy. Denise keeps proclaiming she is protecting her kids but she sets such an appalling example with her swearing etc. I obviously don’t know these people but maybe Cahrlie Sheen is being unfairly labelled as the ‘bad’ parent in this?

- Emily on June 26th, 2008

I don’t think Denise deserves a big bow and applauses for placing her kids in therapy. She, along with Charlie, is the reason they need therapy in the first place. There is nothing embarrassing about going to therapy, the embarrassing thing here is that the parents are the sole cause of it being needed.

- Hea on June 26th, 2008

I have to say, I watched an episode of Denise’s show and she is a bit ridiculas. I am hoping she doesn’t swear around her children like she does on that show. I think the same these two need to leave there children out of the press and stop talking! Stop making passive aggressive remarks because these little girls are going to be harassed by the press even more because the media is going to want to see how these kids turned out. Move away from that area like Demi and Bruce if you have to. I just think they want to put there kids first but don’t know how and they need to be in therapy but I do think its good for the girls because art therapy is where children draw and you can see how they view things just by having them explain there drawings. Ok enough of my rant. I just hope these girls turn out to be strong women!

- Bren on June 26th, 2008

Denise has actually done a public service announcement without even knowing it. She is basically a walking poster for what not to do with your kids. If that sounds harsh, it is meant to. These two bird brains don’t have a clue. Therapy can be helpful- maybe they should try it. And please stop telling us every sad detail of your poor girls’ lives!

- Melanie on June 26th, 2008

I don’t think anyone on here is saying it’s shameful to be in therapy. I think if the girls need to be that’s fine but I think what most of us are trying to say is they probably would not need to be if their parents just stopped bickering back and forth and tried amicably (excuse the spelling) to work things out behind closed doors and not in the public!! And I agree with those that said Charlie and Denise should be in counseling as well. They’re the one’s that really need to learn how to deal with their anger towards each other!!

- J.M. on June 26th, 2008