Therapy on social media:
In recent years, therapy has gone viral. From Instagram carousels to TikTok soundbites, mental health content has exploded across social platforms—and in many ways, it’s a long-overdue shift.
People are speaking more openly about therapy, setting boundaries, and validating mental health struggles.
But as with anything online, nuance can be lost in translation.
So the question is:
Is therapy on social media helping or hurting us?
The Helpful Side 💫
There’s no denying the upsides of seeing mental health topics in your daily feed.
•Increased Awareness: Social media has helped normalize conversations around anxiety, depression, trauma, and more. What once was whispered about is now openly discussed.
Validation and Connection: Many people feel comforted when they see their struggles reflected in others’ posts. It can be empowering to know you’re not alone.
Access to Psychoeducation: Licensed therapists and mental health advocates often share bite-sized lessons on coping strategies, communication skills, or trauma-informed care, helping people learn outside the therapy room.
Encouragement to Seek Support: For some, a post about intrusive thoughts or burnout might be the nudge they need to finally book an appointment with a therapist.
The Harmful Side
But there’s a flip side, too—and it’s important to be mindful of it.
•Overgeneralization: Mental health is complex. What applies to one person may not apply to another, yet social media often simplifies or overstates diagnoses and symptoms.
Misdiagnosis & Labels: Self-diagnosing through online content can be misleading or even harmful. Just because you relate to a post about ADHD or attachment styles doesn’t mean you meet clinical criteria.
“Therapy Speak” Misuse: Phrases like “gaslighting,” “trauma bond,” or “boundaries” are now everywhere—but they’re not always used accurately. In some cases, people weaponize therapy terms to avoid accountability.
False Expertise: Not every “mental health influencer” is a qualified professional. It’s essential to vet sources and look for licensed providers who follow ethical guidelines.
A Balanced Perspective
Therapy on social media isn’t all good or all bad—it’s a tool, and like any tool, it depends on how it’s used.
If you find helpful, grounded posts from licensed therapists, they can be a great complement to your wellness journey. But it’s important to remember that social media is not a substitute for therapy.
Real healing often requires deeper, personalized work that can’t be captured in a 60-second reel.
Take what resonates—and leave the rest. If something stirs something in you, consider taking it to a trusted therapist who can explore it with you more deeply.
Looking for a therapist to help you move beyond the posts and into real change? Let’s talk. Real therapy goes beyond the algorithm.
Take good care,
Franchesca