ABC of Mental Health

Therapy in Pop-Culture

Hello! Welcome to another edition of the ABC of Mental Health, your partner in the journey to better mental health — one newsletter at a time. This week’s theme is Therapy in Pop Culture. We bring it to your inbox this Thursday to make your Thursday a little therapeutic! 

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One relevant recommendation:

Treat yo’ self! 

A concept from the famous TV Show, Parks & Recreation, emphasizes self-care for mental health by indulging in small luxuries, like spa days or shopping splurges, to relieve stress and boost mood. This is one of our favourites since it encourages people prioritising personal well-being, reminding them to take breaks and enjoy life's pleasures.

Two quotes on Therapy and Feelings from famous TV Shows:

Dr. Jennifer Melfi, a compassionate and insightful therapist from Sopranos, offers invaluable guidance to her client in Season 2 Episode 12:

"A lot of the time we're all feeling like we're floating in space, looking for a place to land. We just can't seem to connect with anybody, even the ones we love. But then, therapy comes along and you get to sit down and talk about all the things you've been keeping bottled up inside. And suddenly, it's like you've found solid ground again. Like you can breathe."

Devi’s therapist, Dr. Jamie Ryan from Never Have I Ever, provides a much-needed voice of reason for Devi in Season 2, Episode 9:

“You feel a lot, which means sometimes you're going to hurt a lot, but it also means that you're gonna live a life that is emotionally rich and really beautiful.”

Three TherapyShorts from TST (on the magic of movement)

  1. What therapy is not: Therapy is often portrayed in pop culture as a quick fix or a magical solution to all problems. However, therapy is not a cure-all or a one-size-fits-all solution. It's not about receiving instant solutions or having someone else solve your problems for you. Instead, therapy is a collaborative process that requires time, effort, and commitment from both the therapist and the individual seeking help. 

  2. Healers are not therapists: While healers, such as spiritual leaders or alternative medicine practitioners, may provide valuable support and guidance, they are not trained mental health professionals. While their methods may offer comfort or relief, they may not always adhere to evidence-based practices or address underlying psychological issues effectively.

  3. Friends can't be therapists: While friends can provide emotional support and empathy, they are not substitutes for trained therapists. Friends may offer biased advice, lack the necessary professional boundaries, or be unable to provide the specialized interventions needed for certain mental health issues. 

Love and light,

The Social Therapist

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