Speaking of Psychology The rise of ‘therapy speak,’ with Taisha Caldwell-Harvey, PhD, and Erin Parks, PhD
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Mar 26, 2025 Dr. Taisha Caldwell-Harvey, founder of The Black Girl Doctor, and Dr. Erin Parks, co-founder of Equip, dive into the intriguing phenomenon of 'therapy speak.' They discuss how terms like ‘narcissist’ and ‘gaslighting’ have infiltrated everyday conversations. The duo highlights the importance of using psychological terms responsibly, cautioning against trivializing serious conditions. They also explore how this language can both inform and hinder personal growth, emphasizing the need for clear communication in mental health discussions.
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Destigmatization through Accessibility
- Therapy speak can destigmatize mental health by making it more accessible.
- Similar to WebMD, it helps people become better consumers of mental healthcare.
Minimizing Suffering
- While therapy speak can help people identify their experiences, inaccurate usage can minimize genuine suffering.
- Public misuse of terms like "depression" can lead to misrepresentation and reduced compassion.
Labeling in Relationships
- Avoid labeling people, especially in relationships, with strong terms like "narcissist".
- It hinders relationship repair and assumes a fixed personality trait.