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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Bad Therapy summary
Abigail Shrier
Why the Kids Aren't Growing Up
16 mins
Table of Contents
Bad Therapy
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Key idea 1 of 5
First, do no harm
The concept of iatrogenesis, which refers to the unintended negative consequences of medical interventions, has a long history in the field of medicine. Originally coined in the 18th century, the term has been used to describe the harm that can result from well-intentioned treatments, like adverse drug reactions or surgical complications.
In the realm of psychiatry, iatrogenesis has been observed in cases where psychiatric interventions, like hospitalizations or medications, have inadvertently worsened a patient's condition. But Shrier argues that the concept of iatrogenesis can also be applied to the broader field of therapy, particularly when it comes to treating young people.
Imagine a high school student who experiences a panic attack before a major exam. Their parents, concerned for their well-being, send them to a therapist who suggests that the student's anxiety is a sign of a more serious anxiety disorder. Once diagnosed, the student becomes hypervigilant about their symptoms, wondering if every flutter of nerves is a sign of impending panic.
Now imagine a college freshman who confides in a counselor about feeling homesick and lonely. The counselor, eager to validate the student's feelings, emphasizes the importance of self-care and setting boundaries. The student begins to withdraw from social activities and academic challenges, believing that they must prioritize their emotional well-being above all else.
Shrier argues that while therapy can be a vital resource for young people, many therapeutic approaches may unintentionally foster a sense of fragility and helplessness. By overemphasizing the role of mental health and encouraging young people to view normal challenges as signs of psychological distress, some therapists may be contributing to the very problems they seek to alleviate.
This therapy culture can have far-reaching consequences for young people's development and well-being. Shrier suggests that by pathologizing childhood struggles, like social awkwardness or academic difficulties, therapists may inadvertently undermine young people's confidence and resilience. Instead of learning to navigate life's challenges with grit and adaptability, young people may come to see themselves as psychologically fragile and in need of constant support.
Even more, the emphasis on emotional safety and risk-avoidance in some therapeutic approaches may discourage young people from taking healthy risks, like trying new things or stepping outside their comfort zones. By prioritizing emotional comfort, therapists may be unintentionally limiting young people's opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
These consequences only multiply when considered at the community level, as we’ll discuss in the next section.
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What is Bad Therapy about?
Bad Therapy (2024) explores the unintended consequences of therapy culture and its impact on young people's resilience and well-being. It argues that by overemphasizing emotional fragility and shielding youth from adversity, modern parenting and therapeutic practices may be inadvertently hindering the development of essential life skills in our youngest generations.
Bad Therapy Review
Bad Therapy (2020) sheds light on the dark side of the therapy industry and uncovers harmful practices that can endanger patients' well-being. Here's why this book is a valuable read:
- Reveals eye-opening truths about unethical therapeutic approaches, warning readers about potential risks and pitfalls in the mental health field.
- Offers insightful perspectives from experts and individuals with firsthand experience, providing a comprehensive view of the issues at hand.
- Keeps readers engaged with its compelling narrative and impactful stories, ensuring a thought-provoking and engaging read from start to finish.
Who should read Bad Therapy?
- Parents concerned about the impact of modern parenting and therapy practices on their children's development and well-being
- Advocates for personal responsibility, grit, and the importance of learning from adversity in character development
- Anyone exploring the broader implications of therapy culture on society and the human experience
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Bad Therapy FAQs
What is the main message of Bad Therapy?
The main message of Bad Therapy is the exploration of misleading counseling practices.
How long does it take to read Bad Therapy?
Reading Bad Therapy takes a few hours. Our Blinkist summary can be read in 15 minutes.
Is Bad Therapy a good book? Is it worth reading?
Bad Therapy is insightful, shedding light on concerning therapy approaches, making it a valuable read.
Who is the author of Bad Therapy?
The author of Bad Therapy is Abigail Shrier.
What to read after Bad Therapy?
If you're wondering what to read next after Bad Therapy, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The CBT Workbook for Mental Health by Simón Rego & Sarah Fader
- Saving Aziz by Chad Robichaux with David L. Thomas
- The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
- Think This, Not That by Josh Axe
- The Hunger Habit by Judson Brewer
- 101 Questions to Ask Before You Get Engaged by H. Norman Wright
- Knife by Salman Rushdie
- The Monopolists by Mary Pilon
- New Happy by Stephanie Harrison
- Get It Together by Jesse Watters