Why You Ought To Eliminate Therapy Speak From Regular Conversations
January 17, 2025
There’s been a greater emphasis on mental health over the past many years, bringing once-taboo topics into the open. While this development is commendable, it has also introduced a complication that can impede meaningful communication: "therapy speak."
This type of discourse is misconstrued, overused, and stretched beyond its intent by untrained people in daily situations and on modern populist social media like TikTok, Facebook, and more. Learn more about what therapy speak is, how it impacts people, and explore tips on discussing mental health support more effectively.
What Is Therapy Speak?
Therapy speak refers to employing psychological terminology, often adapted from treatment sessions, in regular discussions. Certain words and phrases have made their way out of professional clinical contexts and become prevalent in social media posts, headlines, and, even worse, intense arguments between loved ones.
When these expressions are overused or misapplied in general communication, they can become a method to evade more meaningful dialogue and detrimentally misinterpret complicated emotions. What could be beneficial discussions often stop abruptly with lasting negative implications, as individuals with no background or qualifications might misdiagnose themselves or loved ones.
Here are a few examples 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 clinical setting at a licensed facility like The Counseling Center, they are often unsuitable in everyday conversations.
Therapy Speak Can Dilute Real Conversation
At TCC, we promote integrating mental health practices into daily life. However, we also recognize the potential pitfalls of adopting professional or jargon-heavy language in day-to-day life. Engaging in therapy speak can diminish the genuine intent of discussions, putting up barriers instead of fostering connection and understanding. We’ve found people commonly turn to therapy speak as a shield.
There may be a sense that therapy speak can’t be questioned since it references what you may experience at a mental health facility. Yet effective dialogue needs empathy, shared understanding, and active listening.
The Impact of Therapy Speak
1. Eroding Genuine Connections
Overusing therapy speak can make discussions seem impersonal or distant, stripping away the personal warmth that fosters authentic connection. It might “therapize” family relationships, turning worthwhile candid conversations into what might sound like a 60-second reel created by a counselor on TikTok.
For example, telling a friend, “I have to hold space for myself right now,” can seem formal and aloof compared to simply verbalizing, “I’m feeling overwhelmed and need a bit of time to process.”
2. Improper Use and Misunderstanding
Therapeutic terms have precise meanings within clinical contexts. Improperly using terminology like “narcissistic” or “trauma” not only diminishes their actual meaning but may also spread stigma around mental health conditions. People try to make a quick diagnosis instead of listening and allowing time for authentic dialogue.
At The Counseling Center, we welcome carefully considered language that values the importance of words utilized in therapeutic settings, ensuring they are not weaponized or diminished in day-to-day conversations. We’ve discovered that therapy speak typically sows confusion, with numerous words used improperly. This language can act as a shield to protect us from judgment, guilt, or obligation.
3. Evading Accountability
Even though concepts like boundaries and self-care are vital, therapy speak can sometimes be misapplied to avoid accountability or deflect responsibility. To illustrate, saying, “I’m protecting my boundaries,” to excuse hurtful behavior can undermine the truth and trust necessary in strong relationships. There are always fresh phrases to explain self-serving or even hostile behaviors. The term “boundaries” has become particularly vexing to professional therapists.
Therapeutic expressions are now utilized when people simply don’t want to do something. In light of all the conflicts that follow, you might question whether your “boundary” is more important than your relationship.
How to Communicate Constructively Without Therapy Speak
We believe genuine communication doesn’t require clinical terminology. Really, it’s about being compassionate, straightforward, and authentic. Our counselors have some practical tips to help:
1. Speak From the Heart
Focus on how you feel rather than depending on clinical terms when sharing emotions. For instance:
- As opposed to: “You’re gaslighting me.”
- Try: “Whenever you say that, it makes me feel like my point of view isn’t being acknowledged.”
2. Prioritize Understanding
Seek to listen closely rather than label behavior. Phrases like “Help me understand where you’re coming from” promote productive communication.
3. Be Conscious of Your Audience
Remember that not everyone is knowledgeable of clinical terms. Utilizing plain, easy-to-understand language ensures your message resonates more effectively.
4. Use Boundaries Thoughtfully
Boundaries are critical, but they have to be communicated carefully. Rather than: “I’m setting a boundary.” Try: “I need to step back from this situation for now so I can think about it.”
Therapy provides strategies, not jargon-heavy scripts. Counselors at TCC frequently assess how you’re applying what you’ve learned to ensure it enhances, rather than diminishes, your relationships.
How The Counseling Center Fosters Improved Communication
At The Counseling Center, we strive to empower people with the tools they need to navigate their mental health journey while fostering healthier relationships. Our offerings include:
- Individual Therapy: Personalized sessions to build self-understanding and boost emotional intelligence.
- Family and Couples Therapy: Helping families and partners connect more beneficially and work through disputes peacefully.
- Group Therapy: Offering a safe space for genuine communication in an encouraging environment. Our counselors emphasize practical, real-life applications of therapeutic concepts, ensuring you can interact meaningfully with others without depending on jargon.
Request Skilled Mental Health Support Today
If you want to strengthen your understanding of who you are and elevate your relationships, we’re ready to help. Find out more about our intensive outpatient and outpatient support. If you seek help right away, please reach out to our 24-hour hotline at 833-248-6271. Working collaboratively, we can empower you to communicate with empathy, purpose, and clarity—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.
