Susie Orbach, therapist and author, discusses the use and misuse of "therapy speak" in everyday conversations. She questions whether these words actually mean what we think they do and whether they truly help or exacerbate the issues we're trying to address. The podcast explores the power of words and conversation, the importance of listening to tone and timbre in therapy, the emotional impact of the unfolding writing trick, and the relationship between words and authenticity in therapy.
Therapy speak can both help and mislead by influencing our communication and understanding of mental health.
Language plays a powerful role in shaping our thoughts and decision-making, with even seemingly small words having significant impact on conversations and perceptions.
Deep dives
The Power of Language in Everyday Interactions
The podcast discusses the role of language in everyday interactions and decision-making. It highlights a conversation between the host and a painter about the color choice for a door, where the use of the word 'clinging' sparked a metaphorical shift in the conversation. The episode explores how language can shape our thoughts and influence our decision-making process.
Therapy Speak and its Impact
The podcast delves into the concept of therapy speak and its influence on modern language. It features an interview with a psychotherapist discussing how therapy speak, often seen as jargon or psychobabble, can be both helpful and misleading. The episode examines the use of certain therapy-related terms and their misinterpretations in popular culture, highlighting the importance of understanding the context and implications of such language.
The Magic and Beauty of Therapy
The podcast taps into the transformative aspect of therapy and its connection to language. It explores how therapy encourages self-questioning and self-expression through words. The episode discusses the significance of words in therapy sessions, emphasizing the therapist's role in listening for nuances in tone, timbre, and body language. It also explores the power of language in poetry and the way words can unfold and reverberate to capture complex emotions and experiences.
Susie Orbach talks to Michael Rosen about the use and misuse of “therapy speak”. With the rise of mental health awareness, it seems to have leaked out of the therapist’s office and into our homes. Instead of saying someone’s getting on our nerves, we talk about “boundaries”; instead of accusing someone of lying, we call them a “gaslighter”; instead of telling someone we’re listening, we say we’re “holding space”.
But do these words mean what we think they do? And do they help or heighten the issues we are trying to discuss?
Producer: Alice McKee, BBC Audio Bristol
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