Filner Begins Therapy To Control His Nasty Behavior?

San Diego Mayor, Bob Filner, a first-term mayor and former congressman starts two weeks of intensive therapy Monday while facing a sexual harassment lawsuit.  Therapy appears to be a response to the calls for his resignation.  It is a different defense than denying the allegations that he groped several women over the last few years. Therapy, however; will not prevent lawyers deposing him this week in the lawsuit brought by his former communications director who claims he asked her to work without panties, told her he wanted to see her naked and dragged her around in a headlock while whispering in her ear.

One might express skepticism that any two-week program is going to remedy years of inappropriate behavior toward women. However, success may depend on how far the 70-year-old Filner goes in acknowledging his problems. Filner announced his plans for behavioral counseling on July 26  to "begin the process of addressing my behavior. I must become a better person ... I must demonstrate that my behavior has changed," Filner said. 

Ten women, including a university dean and a retired Navy rear admiral, have publicly accused Filner of making unwanted passes. Some contend that he made sexual advances that included groping and unwanted kisses. At least five have demanded that he resign. Former Filner communications director Irene McCormack Jackson, has filed a harassment lawsuit against him.

The lawsuit is about money. Therapy is about finding out what triggers the behavior so Filner can develop a coping mechanism, build a support network and find other ways to control it. Therapy
requires hard work over a lifetime. Two weeks may only be Filner's political life time and thus not enough time to effectuate change. Only time will tell.
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