Bad Therapy – Abigail Shrier’s book “Bad Therapy” has sparked a necessary conversation about the state of mental health treatment for young people.
As a journalist and author, Shrier brings attention to the potential pitfalls of well-intentioned therapy and parenting practices that may be doing more harm than good.
The Problem with Overtreatment
Shrier argues that we’re too quick to medicalize youth mental health issues, treating normal struggles of growing up as problems that require professional help.
This overprotection can prevent young people from developing essential life skills, such as resilience and independence.
With nearly half of Gen Z thinking their mental health is poor, it’s crucial to examine the role of therapy and medication in addressing these issues.
The Treatment-Prevalence Paradox
Shrier highlights the “treatment-prevalence paradox,” where mental health issues continue to rise despite increased availability of therapy and medication.
This paradox suggests that current approaches may not be effective and might even be exacerbating the problem.
By exploring this phenomenon, Shrier encourages readers to think critically about the impact of mental health treatments on young people.
The Risks of Bad Therapy
According to Shrier, bad therapy can have several negative consequences, including
- Unhelpful Ideas: Young people may accept inaccurate or unhelpful interpretations without question, leading to confusion about their feelings or experiences.
- Damaged Family Relationships: Therapists may suggest that issues stem from childhood trauma, causing patients to view their parents negatively and potentially leading to estrangement.
- Unproven Treatments: Many therapies used on kids haven’t been proven to work and can backfire, such as group sessions for trauma survivors that may worsen symptoms.
The Overemphasis on Mental Health in Schools
Shrier also critiques the excessive focus on mental health in schools, where teachers and staff may encourage students to share personal feelings in class or provide excessive accommodations. This can lead to:
- Disrupted Learning: Mental health programs like social-emotional learning (SEL) can disrupt academic learning and make it harder for students to concentrate.
- Intrusive Surveys: Schools may administer surveys that ask invasive questions, potentially introducing or normalizing risky behaviors.
A New Approach: Authoritative Parenting and Independence
Shrier advocates for a return to authoritative parenting, characterized by clear rules, high standards, and consistent discipline.
By setting boundaries and encouraging independence, parents can help their children develop resilience and emotional stability.
This approach is supported by studies showing that children raised with firm but loving guidance become more successful and emotionally stable.
Implications and Future Directions
The ideas presented in “Bad Therapy” have significant implications for how we approach mental health treatment and parenting.
By prioritizing independence, resilience, and authoritative parenting, we can help young people develop the skills they need to thrive in life.
As we move forward, it’s essential to continue the conversation started by Shrier and explore new approaches to supporting young people’s mental health.
Conclusion
Bad Therapy is a timely and important book that challenges readers to think critically about the role of therapy and parenting in supporting young people’s mental health.
Shrier offers a valuable perspective on how we can promote healthy development and resilience in the next generation by highlighting the potential risks of overtreatment and the importance of independence and authoritative parenting.