Why You Should Avoid "Therapy Speak" in Daily Conversations
January 17, 2025
There’s been an increased focus on mental health over the past many years, moving once-taboo topics into the public domain. While this progress is commendable, it has also introduced a phenomenon that can impede meaningful communication: "therapy speak."
This type of dialogue is misconstrued, overused, and taken past its original intent by unqualified individuals in routine situations and on modern populist social media like TikTok, Facebook, and more. Learn more about what therapy speak is, how it impacts people, and find tips on communicating about mental health treatment in a more constructive manner.
What Is Therapy Speak?
Therapy speak refers to using psychological jargon, often taken from therapy sessions, in regular discussions. Certain words and phrases have shifted from professional medical contexts and become prevalent in hashtags, headlines, and, even worse, frenzied arguments between loved ones.
When these expressions are overused or misapplied in regular conversation, they can transform into a means to avoid deeper dialogue and detrimentally oversimplify complex emotions. They might even shut down valuable discussions with lasting negative repercussions, as those with no training or qualifications might improperly diagnose themselves or loved ones.
Here are some instances of therapy speak:
- “I’m setting a boundary,”
- “That’s triggering for me,”
- “Are you doing the work?”
- “Is it a safe space?”
- “Maybe you’re processing your trauma.”
While these terms can be valuable within a therapeutic surrounding at a credentialed facility like The Counseling Center, they are typically unsuitable in everyday discussions.
Therapy Speak Can Weaken Real Conversation
At TCC, we encourage integrating mental health practices into daily life. Even so, we also understand the potential disadvantages of utilizing clinical or jargon-heavy language in daily life. Turning to therapy speak can dilute the genuine intent of discussions, putting up obstacles instead of cultivating a mutual connection and understanding. We’ve found people frequently utilize therapy speak as a defense mechanism.
There may be a feeling that therapy speak can’t be challenged as it reflects what you could experience at a mental health facility. Yet effective conversation relies on empathy, active listening, and shared understanding.
The Affect of Therapy Speak
1. Diminishing Genuine Connections
Overusing therapy speak can make interactions seem mechanical or clinical, eroding the personal touch that nurtures real connection. It can “therapize” family interactions, turning worthwhile candid conversations into what might sound like a 30-second reel produced by a mental health professional on TikTok.
For instance, expressing to a friend, “I really must hold space for myself right now,” may seem impersonal and standoffish compared to simply saying, “I’m feeling stressed and need a little time to think.”
2. Misunderstanding and Misuse
Therapeutic expressions have specific meanings within clinical contexts. Misusing words like ”narcissistic” or “bipolar” not only trivializes their actual meaning but can also continue stigma around mental health disorders. People seek to diagnose instead of lending an ear and creating time for authentic discussion.
The Counseling Center welcomes thoughtful language that respects the significance of phrases used in therapy sessions, ensuring they are not weaponized or diluted in daily conversations. We’ve discovered that therapy speak often sows confusion, with many terms employed improperly. This language can serve as a shield to guard us from guilt, obligation, or judgment.
3. Evading Accountability
Although concepts like self-care and setting boundaries are important, therapy speak is frequently misapplied to shift responsibility or eschew accountability. For instance, stating, “I’m protecting my boundaries,” to explain hurtful behavior can counteract the honesty and trust needed in healthy relationships. There are always different terms to explain self-centered or even aggressive behaviors. The phrase “boundaries” has become especially vexing to mental health professionals.
You now hear therapeutic expressions employed when people just refuse to do something. With all the arguments that ensue, you may ask if your “boundary” has more importance than your personal relationship.
How to Effectively Communicate Without Therapy Speak
We feel worthwhile communication doesn’t need complex terminology. Really, it’s about being authentic, direct, and compassionate. Our counselors have additional helpful tips:
1. Speak From the Heart
Emphasize how you feel in lieu of relying on clinical terms when communicating emotions. For instance:
- Instead of: “You’re gaslighting me.”
- Try: “When you say that, it makes me feel like my point of view isn’t being recognized.”
2. Put An Emphasis On Understanding
Seek to listen closely instead of labeling behavior. Counterpoints like “Help me comprehend where you’re coming from” encourage constructive communication.
3. Be Aware of Your Audience
Keep in mind that not all individuals are well versed in therapeutic terms. Choosing simple, understandable language helps your message resonate more effectively.
4. Use Boundaries Thoughtfully
Boundaries are critical, but they have to be expressed thoughtfully. Instead of: “I’m setting a boundary.” Try: “I have to step away from this conversation for now so I can think about it.”
Therapy provides tools, not jargon-filled scripts. Counselors at TCC routinely evaluate how you’re applying what you’ve been instructed to confirm it enhances, rather than takes away from, your relationships.
How The Counseling Center Promotes Improved Communication
At The Counseling Center, we strive to enable individuals with the abilities they need to navigate their mental health journey while fostering stronger relationships. Our offerings include:
- Individual Therapy: Personalized sessions to develop self-understanding and enhance emotional intelligence.
- Family and Couples Therapy: Helping partners and family members interact more beneficially and address disputes constructively.
- Group Therapy: Providing a safe space for open and honest communication in a nurturing environment. Our counselors promote practical, everyday applications of therapeutic concepts, ensuring you can engage effectively with others without falling back on jargon.
Request Professional Mental Health Support Today
If you’re ready to enhance your self-awareness and improve your relationships, we’re standing by to help. Learn more about our intensive outpatient and outpatient programs. If you require help right away, please call our round-the-clock hotline at 833-248-6271. Working collaboratively, we can enable you to communicate with empathy, purpose, and clarity—without compromising the essence of who you are.
Author
Born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, Stephen Cooke brings over a decade of experience in international and American healthcare communications to Praesum. A prolific writer and published author, Stephen has dedicated his career to promoting health and recovery across various organizations.
