Why You Ought To Avoid "Therapy Speak" in Daily Conversations
January 17, 2025
There’s been a greater emphasis on mental health in recent years, moving once-taboo topics into the open. While this progress is praiseworthy, it has also initiated a phenomenon that can obstruct genuine communication: "therapy speak."
This type of language is misconstrued, overused, and taken past its true purpose by unqualified people in everyday situations and on modern populist social media like Instagram, TikTok, and more. Find out more about what therapy speak is, how it influences people, and find tips on communicating about mental health support more effectively.
What Is Therapy Speak?
Therapy speak is a reference to using psychological terminology, often taken from counseling sessions, in regular discussions. Words and phrases have made their way out of professional medical contexts and become prevalent in social media posts, headlines, and, sadly, intense arguments between loved ones.
When these expressions are overused or misapplied in regular conversation, they can turn into a method to avoid more meaningful dialogue and harmfully misread complicated emotions. What could be valuable conversations often cease abruptly with lasting negative implications, as individuals with no experience or qualifications may improperly diagnose themselves or others they care about.
Here are a few 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 phrases can be helpful and rewarding within a therapeutic surrounding at a licensed facility like The Counseling Center, they are often unsuitable in daily life.
Therapy Speak Can Weaken Real Conversation
At TCC, we promote integrating mental health practices into everyday life. Even so, we also recognize the potential pitfalls of utilizing medical or specialized language in day-to-day life. Relying on therapy speak can dilute the genuine intent of discussions, creating obstacles instead of nurturing connection and understanding. We’ve noticed people frequently utilize therapy speak as a defense mechanism.
There could be a sense that therapy speak can’t be disputed because it mimics what you might hear in a professional setting. Yet proper dialogue needs empathy, active listening, and shared understanding.
The Impact of Therapy Speak
1. Diminishing Authentic Connections
Relying on therapy speak can make discussions feel transactional or distant, stripping away the personal touch that promotes real connection. It can “therapize” family discussions, converting meaningful face-to-face discourse into what might sound like a 60-second reel generated by a counselor on TikTok.
For instance, expressing to someone close to you, “I need to hold space for myself right now,” might sound impersonal and standoffish compared to simply verbalizing, “I’m feeling stressed out and need a bit of time to process.”
2. Misunderstanding and Misuse
Therapeutic expressions have specific meanings within clinical contexts. Misapplying terminology like ”narcissistic” or “bipolar” not only minimizes their true significance but can also spread stigma around mental health conditions. People attempt to label others instead of listening and creating time for actual conversation.
The Counseling Center encourages mindful language that values the importance of terms utilized in clinical settings, ensuring they are not misused or diluted in daily discussions. We find that therapy speak typically fosters confusion, with countless phrases employed to invoke morality. This language may act as a shield to safeguard us from judgment, guilt, or obligation.
3. Avoiding Accountability
Although concepts like self-care and boundaries are vital, therapy speak is frequently misused to deflect responsibility or eschew accountability. For example, stating, “I’m protecting my boundaries,” to excuse unhealthy behavior can undermine the honesty and trust required in strong relationships. There are always fresh words to excuse self-centered or even aggressive behaviors. The phrase “boundaries” has become especially galling to professional therapists.
Therapeutic phrases are now employed when people just don’t want to do something. In light of all the disputes that result, you might ask if your “boundary” has more importance than your loving relationship.
How to Communicate Effectively Without Therapy Speak
We feel meaningful dialogue shouldn’t rely on complicated terminology. Rather, it’s about being authentic, clear, and considerate. Our counselors have additional practical tips to help:
1. Express Yourself From the Heart
Emphasize how you feel rather than relying on buzzwords when sharing emotions. For example:
- Instead of: “You’re gaslighting me.”
- Try: “When you say that, it makes me feel like my viewpoint isn’t being acknowledged.”
2. Emphasize Understanding
Try to listen attentively rather than label behavior. Counterpoints like “Help me see where you’re coming from” encourage productive dialogue.
3. Be Mindful of Your Audience
Note that not all individuals are well versed in professional terms. Choosing clear, relatable language helps your message resonate more effectively.
4. Use Boundaries Thoughtfully
Boundaries are vital, but they have to be conveyed thoughtfully. In lieu of: “I’m setting a boundary.” Try: “I have to step away from this discussion for now so I can think clearly.”
Therapy gives you strategies, not jargon-heavy scripts. Counselors at TCC frequently assess how you’re using what you’ve been instructed to confirm it improves, rather than detracts from, your relationships.
How The Counseling Center Helps Foster Better Communication
At The Counseling Center, we strive to enable individuals with the tools they need to manage their mental health while fostering stronger relationships. Our services include:
- Individual Therapy: One-on-one sessions to build self-awareness and improve emotional intelligence.
- Family and Couples Therapy: Helping loved ones interact more effectively and work through disputes peacefully.
- Group Therapy: Creating a safe space for authentic communication in a supportive setting. Our professionals emphasize helpful, everyday applications of therapeutic concepts, ensuring you can connect effectively with others without falling back on jargon.
Find Skilled Mental Health Support Today
If you’re motivated to enhance your understanding of who you are and elevate your relationships, we’re ready to help. Learn more about our intensive outpatient and outpatient services. If you seek help immediately, please reach out to our round-the-clock hotline at 833-248-6271. Together, we can equip you to communicate with clarity, purpose, and empathy—without losing 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.
