Bad Therapy: Why the Kids Aren't Growing By Abigail Shrier

"Bad Therapy" by Abigail Shrier exposes the detrimental effects of the mental health industry on American children. Despite efforts to address mental health issues among Gen Z, rates of youth suicide and antidepressant prescriptions continue to rise. Shrier argues that the problem lies with mental health experts, not the children themselves. Drawing on extensive interviews with psychologists, parents, teachers, and young people, Shrier reveals alarming flaws in current therapeutic approaches.

She highlights how talk therapy can exacerbate anxiety and depression by fostering rumination. Additionally, she criticizes Social Emotional Learning programs in schools for disadvantaging vulnerable children and advocates for a reevaluation of "gentle parenting" methods, which may inadvertently promote emotional turbulence and even violence in children.

While acknowledging that mental health care can be crucial for children with severe needs, Shrier argues that for many, the current therapeutic approaches have serious side effects and limited benefits. "Bad Therapy" serves as a wake-up call, challenging the prevailing norms in child psychology and advocating for a reexamination of how we teach, treat, discipline, and communicate with our children.

Ultimately, the book calls for a shift in focus from solely treating symptoms to addressing underlying causes, empowering parents to lead the way in advocating for their children's well-being.

"Bad Therapy" is a timely and urgent read for anyone concerned about the mental health of America's youth and the efficacy of current therapeutic practices. 📚❤️