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AIBU?

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Original poster

To think therapy-speak has ruined how people talk to each other?

116 replies

ThisLimeMoose · 16/06/2025 16:09

“Holding space” doesn’t excuse being a passive-aggressive flake.

OP posts:
MissScarletInTheBallroom · 16/06/2025 16:37

In my experience therapy speak is weaponised by the most toxic people you know to justify their refusal to behave like a normal human being.

MiloMinderbinder925 · 16/06/2025 16:37

Let's unpack that🤔

Boomer55 · 16/06/2025 16:36

ThisLimeMoose · 16/06/2025 16:09

“Holding space” doesn’t excuse being a passive-aggressive flake.

Yes. Therapy speak is gibberish. 🙄

Channel4IsShit · 16/06/2025 16:35

Seamoss · 16/06/2025 16:32

Said a person with good mental health

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It’s my good mental health, and experience, that helps me to know that lots of therapists are charlatans.

Seamoss · 16/06/2025 16:32

Channel4IsShit · 16/06/2025 16:24

I think the whole idea of therapy - fine in itself, if properly done - has created a ‘talking medicine’ that frequently does more harm than good.

The jargon is just the observable problem. Most of the damage is caused to people who put themselves uncritically in the hands of therapists who are often charlatans. A good chat with trusted friends is better and free.

Said a person with good mental health

5128gap · 16/06/2025 16:26

I've just had to Google it. Suffice to say all i can hear is Catherine Tates nan saying "What a load of old shit!".

Channel4IsShit · 16/06/2025 16:24

I think the whole idea of therapy - fine in itself, if properly done - has created a ‘talking medicine’ that frequently does more harm than good.

The jargon is just the observable problem. Most of the damage is caused to people who put themselves uncritically in the hands of therapists who are often charlatans. A good chat with trusted friends is better and free.

Original poster
ThisLimeMoose · 16/06/2025 16:24

AthenePrice · 16/06/2025 16:18

But 'holding space', whether or not you like it as an expression, or as a concept, is pretty much the opposite of being a 'passive-aggressive flake'.

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I get that. I just think it’s one of those phrases that gets co-opted and diluted. In theory, “holding space” is about being present and supportive but I’ve seen it used as a vague excuse for backing out, avoiding direct communication or not being accountable. Depends on the person of course but the language can blur things.

OP posts:
TallulahBetty · 16/06/2025 16:23

What does it mean?

LegoTherapy · 16/06/2025 16:22

I’m still no clearer. Im
autistic and don’t get out much to converse with others so I’ve not heard it and not read it on here until today.

Pinty · 16/06/2025 16:22

I have no idea what it means. But I agree in general
There is a current thread about "setting boundaries ' another term that infuriates me and seems to mean a multitude of things that could have a much better and more precise explanation

AthenePrice · 16/06/2025 16:18

ThisLimeMoose · 16/06/2025 16:09

“Holding space” doesn’t excuse being a passive-aggressive flake.

But 'holding space', whether or not you like it as an expression, or as a concept, is pretty much the opposite of being a 'passive-aggressive flake'.

Original poster
ThisLimeMoose · 16/06/2025 16:17

LegoTherapy · 16/06/2025 16:11

wtf is holding space?

Exactly! Half the time I feel like I need a decoder ring just to understand what people mean. “Holding space” seems to mean everything and nothing at once.

OP posts:
ARainyNightInSoho · 16/06/2025 16:15

@LegoTherapy lucky you that you have avoided hearing ‘holding space’ it’s everywhere

Waitingfordoggo · 16/06/2025 16:14

Oh, I’m so tired of that phrase. I saw it used in an advert for yoga classes recently, and immediately decided that instructor was not the right one for me 😂

LegoTherapy · 16/06/2025 16:11

wtf is holding space?

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