The Power Of Words
Why Word Choice is so impactful in Mental Health and Psychology
Language is more than just a means of communication—it shapes our thoughts, emotions, and the way we perceive ourselves and others. In the mental health field and psychology, word choice is especially powerful. It is crucial to the most widely used form of psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) where little changes in thinking can lead to big therapy session epiphanies. The words we use can either promote healing and understanding or inadvertently perpetuate stigma, shame, and misunderstanding.
In this blog, we’ll explore why language matters in mental health settings and how thoughtful word choices can make a significant difference in a patient’s journey toward recovery and well-being.
1. Language Shapes Perception and Stigma
Words can either reinforce or challenge societal views about mental health. In many cultures, mental health issues still carry stigma, and the language used to describe them can either exacerbate or mediate this.
For example, referring to someone as “schizophrenic” (an identity label) instead of saying “a person with schizophrenia” (an individual-first approach) can reinforce the idea that their diagnosis is the defining characteristic of their identity. This subtle shift in language empowers the individual and humanizes them, acknowledging that their condition is just one aspect of who they are, not the entirety of their being. Alternatively saying “a person with autism” can be seen as unempowering and dismissive while “autistic person” acknowledges the impact of autism on many aspects of the person’s life and the role autism plays in making them who they are.
Similarly, the language used to describe mental health challenges matters. Using phrases like “suffering from depression” can frame the condition as something inherently negative, whereas referring to someone as “living with depression” implies that the person has the agency and strength to navigate their condition. Words like “overcoming” or “coping” can communicate a sense of progress and hope, rather than helplessness.
2. Words Can Build or Break Trust
The therapeutic relationship is built on trust, and the way a therapist or counsellor speaks can significantly affect how comfortable a client feels. Using non-judgmental, empathetic language helps create a safe space where individuals feel heard and understood. A therapist who uses gentle, compassionate language is more likely to foster open communication, allowing clients to share vulnerable aspects of their lives without fear of being judged.
Conversely, dismissive or condescending language can cause others to feel invalidated or misunderstood, making them less likely to engage fully in the therapeutic process. For example, phrases like “Just get over it” or “Why don’t you just try harder?” can be damaging and discouraging. These statements imply that the client’s struggles are trivial or within their control in a way that ignores the complexity of mental health conditions.
3. Words Can be Empowering
As we have mentioned already language can either empower or disempower an individual. Empowerment is crucial to the therapeutic process because it encourages individuals to take an active role in their recovery and to see themselves as capable of making positive changes. The is the idea behind using affirmations, positive phases we can use to encourage ourselves during times of stress.
Using strength-based language is one of the most effective ways to empower clients. On the other hand, it’s also important to acknowledge and normalize the challenges clients face. Certain therapeutic techniques, like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), rely on the power of language to shift negative thinking patterns. In CBT, clients are taught to recognize distorted thinking and reframe those thoughts in healthier, more realistic ways. The language therapists use to guide clients through this process is essential.
For example, when a client expresses thoughts like “I’ll never get better,” a therapist might help them reframe this by saying, “It may feel like things won’t improve right now, but let’s explore some steps you can take to make progress.” This approach encourages a shift from all-or-nothing thinking to a more balanced perspective, which is essential for long-term recovery.
4. The Importance of Client-Centred Language
In any therapeutic relationship, the client is the expert on their own life. Mental health professionals should be mindful of using language that respects the client’s experience and autonomy. Asking open-ended questions like “How do you describe what you’re going through?” rather than assuming how the client feels helps create a collaborative environment where the client is seen as an active participant in their own treatment.
Being mindful of a client’s preferred terminology is also important. Some individuals may prefer the term “autistic person,” while others may prefer “person with autism.” Language preferences can vary based on cultural, generational, or personal experiences, so it’s vital to ask and respect these preferences to demonstrate respect and understanding.
Conclusion: Words Matter More Than You Think
The language used in mental health and psychology settings plays a profound role in shaping a person’s experience of care. Words have the power to validate or invalidate, empower or disempower, and, most importantly, to heal or hurt. By being intentional and thoughtful in our language choices, we can create an environment that fosters understanding, reduces stigma, and supports individuals in their mental health journeys. For mental health professionals, it’s crucial to remember that almost every word can either strengthen or weaken the therapeutic relationship, influence a client’s self-perception, and impact their overall sense of well-being.
Blog written by: Michael Perry | Registered Psychologist B. Psych (Hons)
All images sourced from Freep!k
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