Danger in Social Media "Therapy Speak"

What is "Therapy Speak?" It’s when people mimic what they hear from Mental Health Influencers on Instagram or TikTok, and it runs the risk of coming across as inauthentic. In an effort to use therapy language to connect or explain yourself, make sure you at least add your personal spin on it. Don't forget to bring yourself to conversations - not just the latest-trending therapy speak.

Mental health social media accounts are meant to be a supplement to therapy - that's it. When people self-diagnose (or worse - diagnose others) based on what they've read or heard on Social Media, it has the potential to ruin relationships, jeopardize careers, etc. No life decision should ever be based on these self-identified diagnoses with no real clinical assessment or basis. 

TikTok or Instagram influencers know what they're doing. People want a "how to" or "what is it" with a quick "5 steps" that will leave their audience believing it will solve their unique problem. Mental Health Influencers know how to speak to pain and offer solutions. Even if they are therapists and their content is solid, they have to summarize a tip or tool in a short, entertaining way. That means it will never be fully clinical. There are always exceptions and disclaimers that just aren't sexy to spell out in a reel.

As the listener, before you get too excited about your next solution to try, remember there are always disclaimers and exceptions. Take everything with a grain of salt. Bring yourself to conversations (not just the latest trendy therapy phrase). And don't make big decisions based on what you're consuming on social media.

If you’re following an influencer and you’re looking for some encouragement or guidance - I hope you find it! If you feel you need more, we’re here! Reach out if you want to take the next step and get paired with a counselor.