Navigating mental health is tricky, and it turns out, some of the ways we try to help ourselves online are driving therapists up the wall. With social media advice, self-diagnosis, and chatbots masquerading as therapists, professionals are encountering more than their fair share of headaches. We asked mental health experts what habits they wish clients would drop—especially in the era of online therapy.
1. Overusing Diagnostic Labels
Many of us casually label normal behaviors as mental health conditions. Dr. Charlotte Armitage points out that calling a mildly messy colleague “OCD” or an ex “a sociopath” can trivialize real diagnoses. Online therapy works best when real issues are clearly identified—not when everyday quirks are over-medicalized.
2. Trusting Social Media Advice Blindly
Dr. Emma Hepburn warns that up to 80% of mental health content on social media is inaccurate. Even when advice is sound, what works for a lifestyle influencer might not work for you. Online therapy sessions should be personalized, not borrowed from someone else’s TikTok routine.
3. Reflecting the Therapist’s Issues
Hilda Burke explains a common phenomenon where clients’ problems mirror the therapist’s own experiences—a “parallel process.” While online therapy may feel convenient, clients should remember that therapists’ guidance is shaped by their professional experience, not by viral online trends.
4. Using Catchy Terms Instead of Real Diagnoses
Terms like “neurospicy” may feel empowering, but Dr. Audrey Tang stresses that they shouldn’t replace medically recognized diagnoses like ADHD or OCD. Online therapy requires clarity, especially when patients need workplace accommodations or specific treatment plans.
5. Apologizing for Seeking Help
Tears and vulnerability are part of the process, not a sign of weakness. Tasha Bailey encourages clients not to apologize during therapy—even online sessions—for expressing emotions or worrying their issues aren’t “big enough.” Therapy works best when clients engage honestly.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Over-Hashtag
Dr. Tang also calls out the overuse of health hashtags like #menopause. In therapy, online or in-person, focusing on your real needs beats broadcasting them online.
The Takeaway
Therapists are patient, but there’s only so much they can do when we rely on chatbots, viral videos, or self-diagnosis apps. Online therapy can be effective, but only when approached with honesty, respect, and professional guidance—not shortcuts from social media.
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