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Have you ever heard someone say, "I'm setting a boundary," but it feels more like they're avoiding a hard conversation? Or maybe you've seen the word "trauma" used to describe everything from a bad breakup to a stressful day at work? Therapy language has made its way into everyday conversation, but are we always using it correctly? In this episode, we break down how therapy speak—words meant to help us heal—can sometimes keep us stuck.

We'll explore the four biggest ways therapy language gets misused and what that actually means for your mental health. Plus, we'll dig into how real therapy should challenge you—not just comfort you—and why growth doesn’t happen in an echo chamber of self-validation.

Guest Information

• Guest Name: Reverend Geneece Goertzen
• Bio: Rev. Geneece Goertzen is a national expert on domestic violence, researcher, and author. She provides critical insights into gaslighting and manipulation in abusive relationships and has published books to help people identify red flags.
• Links:
  • Taking It Seriously: A Faith Leader's Guide to Domestic Violence
  • Never Ever After: A Guide to Recognizing Red Flags

Episode Outline

1. The Rise of Therapy Speak

• How psychological terms have entered everyday conversation through social media.
• The pros and cons of using therapy language in casual discussions.

2. Four Common Misuses of Therapy Speak

• Boundaries: When setting a boundary is actually avoiding accountability.
• Trauma: The difference between real trauma and difficult life experiences.
• Toxic Relationships: When normal conflict gets mislabeled as dysfunction.
• Gaslighting: What it actually means (and what it doesn’t).

3. Social Media’s Role in Misinformation

• A study found that 85% of mental health advice on TikTok is misleading, and nearly 75% of trauma-related content is inaccurate.
• How therapists are navigating these challenges in sessions.

4. Therapy Language in the Therapy Room

• How words like "trauma" and "boundaries" function in actual therapy.
• Why therapists ask deeper questions instead of taking labels at face value.

5. Moving Forward: Using Therapy Language for Growth

• Tips for avoiding mislabeling experiences and fostering real self-awareness.
• How to use these terms as conversation starters, not conversation enders.

Host Name: Danny Clark

About Danny Clark
Danny Clark is a licensed clinical social worker and family therapist based in Houston, Texas. As the founder of Texas Insight Center, he specializes in helping individuals, couples, and families navigate mental health challenges with practical, evidence-based approaches.

💡 Is therapy right for you? Let’s talk. If you’re struggling with stress or emotional regulation or just want to explore healthier coping strategies, reach out for a consultation. Visit www.texasinsightcenter.com to learn more and schedule a session.

📩 Have a question or topic suggestion? Send it to danny@texasinsightcenter.com

You can also follow me on Instagram @texasinsightcenter or visit my webpage at texasinsightcenter.com

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