Navigating therapy speak: A practical guide for therapists

Thanks to the rise of social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, therapy terms like “triggered,” “trauma,” “gaslighting,” and “toxic” have become part of everyday language.

This surge in mental health awareness is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s fantastic that people feel more comfortable talking about their mental health.  On the other, the casual misuse of these terms can muddy the waters in therapy, leading to misunderstandings or even misdiagnoses.

You’re in a unique position to bridge the gap between your clients’ perceptions and accurate mental health information. This guide will help you navigate these buzzwords with empathy, offering practical strategies to maintain harmony in your sessions while gently guiding your clients toward clarity.

Why therapy buzzwords are booming – and how they show up in your sessions

Scroll through TikTok or Instagram, and you’ll find countless videos and posts explaining “attachment styles,” warning about “narcissists,” or detailing how to spot “gaslighting.”

Influencers and content creators have made mental health concepts accessible, but often at the cost of oversimplification. Terms like “trauma” are thrown around casually, while phrases like “I’m so OCD” are misused to describe minor quirks.

This buzzword boom is compounded by the rise of self-diagnosis, where clients turn to social media rather than clinical resources for answers. A quick scroll through TikTok might convince someone they have a specific disorder based on a 15-second video, but these oversimplified snippets often lack context or accuracy. You’re likely seeing more clients arrive with preconceived notions shaped by these platforms.

A lot of people, especially younger generations, are both eager to name their problems and to find a community where they belong. That’s why they’re sometimes attached to labels like “ADHD”. It’s much easier to go to “ADHDTok” and feel accepted by peers than to feel attacked because you haven’t learned to focus on schoolwork. Suddenly, it’s not a problem – it’s a recognized diagnosis that’s relatable to others.

While it’s great that people are talking about mental health, the line between accurate information and misinformation is blurring. You’re left navigating a landscape where clients might be more confused than enlightened.

The positive side of increased awareness

Let’s not throw the baby out with the bathwater—there’s a lot to celebrate about this trend. The widespread use of therapy language has reduced stigma, encouraging more people to seek help. Clients are more open to discussing their mental health, often arriving at your office with a genuine desire to understand their experiences.

Naming the problem (even if they’re wrong) acknowledges that there is a problem. And if the problem has a name, it’s that much easier to find others with the same problem, and solutions that also have names. Googling “symptoms of depression” is quicker than “I don’t want to get out of bed most days”.

Naming problems and hearing from peers is also validating, and makes them feel less alone. When clients use terms like “attachment style” or “trauma,” it shows they’re trying to make sense of their lives, even if their understanding of these concepts might be incomplete. Their willingness to engage with these concepts shows courage and openness. Don’t dismiss their efforts; instead, guide them toward deeper understanding.

When buzzwords backfire: How to gently guide clients past self-diagnosis

While increased awareness is a win, the misuse of therapy buzzwords can create real challenges in your practice. One major issue is clients misdiagnosing themselves (or others) based on oversimplified or inaccurate social media content.

For instance, a client might label a partner as a “narcissist” after watching a viral video, without understanding the clinical criteria for narcissistic personality disorder. This can escalate relational conflicts or lead to unnecessary anxiety.

Another risk is over-pathologizing normal life experiences. A client might describe a tough day as “trauma” or a disagreement as “gaslighting,” which can distort their perception of reality and hinder genuine healing.

Consider this scenario: A client insists they’re “triggered” by a coworker’s feedback, but upon exploration, it becomes clear they’re experiencing discomfort rather than a trauma response.

Some people also use self-diagnosis to absolve themselves of responsibilities. It’s not their fault they’re always late to work, it’s ADHD! Paradoxically, while they name a problem, they shirk from coping mechanisms or tools that could help them solve these problems.

Others may use these labels to over-intellectualize. They’ll talk about the symptoms because it’s easier to analyze them than to process them.

Without your guidance, they might cling to these labels, missing out on more nuanced understanding. These challenges highlight the need for careful, compassionate navigation in your sessions.
 

Strategies for addressing therapy-speak with clients

So, how do you address therapy buzzwords without alienating your clients or undermining their trust? Here are some practical, actionable steps to guide your approach:

Start with curiosity

Before jumping in to correct misconceptions, ask your client what a term means to them. For example, if they say, “My boss is gaslighting me,” you might respond, “I hear how upsetting this is for you. Can you tell me what ‘gaslighting’ means to you in this situation?” This opens the door to understanding their perspective and builds trust, showing you’re not dismissing their experience.

Educate with empathy

Once you understand their viewpoint, gently clarify the clinical meaning of the term in plain language—no jargon. For instance, you might say, “It sounds like you’re feeling really invalidated by your boss, which is so hard. In therapy, ‘gaslighting’ refers to a specific pattern of manipulation where someone tries to make you doubt your reality. Let’s explore what’s happening here and see what fits.” This approach validates their feelings while offering accurate information.

Use relatable analogies

To explain the risks of self-diagnosis, try using analogies your clients can relate to. For example, you might say, “Turning to social media for mental health answers is a bit like using Google to diagnose a stomachache—you might convince yourself it’s something serious when it’s just indigestion. That’s why working together helps us get a clearer picture.” Analogies like this make complex ideas more accessible without sounding condescending.

Validate feelings, not necessarily labels

It’s crucial to affirm your client’s emotions, even if the label they’re using doesn’t quite fit. For example, if a client says, “I’m triggered by my friend canceling plans,” you might respond, “It sounds like that cancellation really upset you, and I’m glad you’re sharing that. Let’s talk about what ‘triggered’ means in a clinical sense, and also explore other ways to describe what you’re feeling.” This validates their experience while gently reframing the term. It also gives them more vocabulary to put in their toolbox to describe their feelings.

Above all, focus on maintaining trust. Avoid language that feels dismissive, like “That’s not what that word means” or “You’re using it wrong.” Instead, approach these conversations as a collaborative journey, reinforcing that you’re on their side.

Redirect clients to reliable sources

Encourage clients to seek information from credible sources to deepen their understanding. Recommend reputable websites like the American Psychological Association (APA), Psychology Today, or the Mayo Clinic, which offer accurate, accessible information. For example, you might say, “I’ve found this article on the APA website really helpful for understanding trauma—would you like to take a look together?”

Books and podcasts can also be great tools. Suggest titles like The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk for trauma or podcasts like Therapy Chat for general mental health insights. To make this collaborative, consider reviewing a resource together in session, discussing how it applies to their experiences. This not only educates your clients but also empowers them to take an active role in their learning.

You might even point them to TikTok or Instagram accounts with simple, digestible videos that aren’t misinterpreted.
 

You have the opportunity to guide your clients through the maze of therapy buzzwords with care and clarity. By approaching these conversations with curiosity, empathy, and a commitment to education, you can help your clients move beyond trendy labels to a deeper understanding of their mental health. This process isn’t just about correcting misconceptions—it’s about building trust, fostering genuine connection, and ensuring your sessions are a space of harmony and growth. Remember, you’ve studied a long time and work hard to understand mental health, while your clients are still learning.  Meet your clients where they are and offer support without judgment, so they can navigate their experiences with confidence and insight.

Ready to take action?  Consider creating a glossary of commonly misused terms for your clients. This can be a handy resource for clients, reinforcing the accurate information you discuss in sessions.