The story of spousal OCD was a story I’d heard many times, but here the stakes were even higher
As a general rule, I refuse to work with arsonists or child abusers.
It’s something I’ve discussed at length with gedolei Yisrael, as I find it difficult to remain objective when dealing with such cases.
Which is why I tried to avoid seeing Dr. Appelbaum as a patient when she contacted me and asked for an evaluation, plus a letter attesting to the fact that she was definitely not a child abuser, nor an arsonist.
“Really, all I need is a letter for the courts stating that I don’t have, and never had, any intention or plan to burn my baby,” she told me over the phone, sounding like she was about to cry. “Look, Dr. Freedman, I’m a nice lady and a dedicated mother. I’m also a pediatrician. But there’s an emergency restraining order out against me for trying to burn my infant son. My husband took it out last night, and I have no idea what to do. I figured if I had a letter from a respected forensic psychiatrist, I could have my lawyer talk some sanity into the judge.”
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