What a thought-provoking piece Alanna. I'm in a somewhat fortunate position as my stepmum works in the mental health sector, so I've been brought up around some of these words. It's meant I've been called out if I've used them too casually, and it's definitely made me more mindful of how I use them. You're so right that simplicity and coming from the heart is often better - I think we could all work a bit harder to put ourselves in others' shoes and show kindness.
You manage to pinpoint exactly how I feel about therapy speak using simple words. It always makes me cringe when people use words like gaslighting or just diagnose people with things like ADHD casually. It feels like having a conversation with my TikTok feed. Of course I'm guilty of it too sometimes cause no one is perfect 😅
Haha yes! If I believe TikTok I have ADHD, Autism, Narcistic parents, OCD and a million more things. I appreciate the awareness it gives to Neurodiverse people but sometimes it's too much 😅
As I’m training to become a therapist, I think it’s really important to highlight this. I am guilty of it myself, mainly in the context of speaking to friends and it’s really hard to get out of these habits, but crucial to really “do the work” whatever that means. There’s no work or progress in therapy, there’s just humans doing their best to communicate with each other and to love themselves despite what life throws at them, but as you mention, sometimes it’s easier to conceptualise and over intellectualise situations to hide from our true feelings. Loved this. Thank you!
What a thought-provoking piece Alanna. I'm in a somewhat fortunate position as my stepmum works in the mental health sector, so I've been brought up around some of these words. It's meant I've been called out if I've used them too casually, and it's definitely made me more mindful of how I use them. You're so right that simplicity and coming from the heart is often better - I think we could all work a bit harder to put ourselves in others' shoes and show kindness.
Aw thank you Soph! I know, I’m so guilty of it too 😂
Loved this!! I’m newly subscribed and excited to read your back catalog 🫶🏼
Aw, thank you so much, Aisling! I’ve also subscribed to you and can’t wait to read more of your work ✨ 💓
Terrific writing, but most of all, I loved this sentence:
"I think we’ve long outgrown the idea that going to therapy automatically makes you a great person."
Aw, thank you so much!! I’m so glad you enjoyed it
You manage to pinpoint exactly how I feel about therapy speak using simple words. It always makes me cringe when people use words like gaslighting or just diagnose people with things like ADHD casually. It feels like having a conversation with my TikTok feed. Of course I'm guilty of it too sometimes cause no one is perfect 😅
Omg TikTok has sooo much to answer for when it comes to this subject!!
Haha yes! If I believe TikTok I have ADHD, Autism, Narcistic parents, OCD and a million more things. I appreciate the awareness it gives to Neurodiverse people but sometimes it's too much 😅
As I’m training to become a therapist, I think it’s really important to highlight this. I am guilty of it myself, mainly in the context of speaking to friends and it’s really hard to get out of these habits, but crucial to really “do the work” whatever that means. There’s no work or progress in therapy, there’s just humans doing their best to communicate with each other and to love themselves despite what life throws at them, but as you mention, sometimes it’s easier to conceptualise and over intellectualise situations to hide from our true feelings. Loved this. Thank you!
Aw thank you! I love what you’re saying about therapy not actually being “work”, you’re so right. It’s just an ongoing communication! X