Mental Health “influencers” and the damage they cause

[Sideboard Bob]

So, the title of this thread says it all.

This podcast about the so called Holisic Therapist Dr Nicole LaPera covers a LOT.





I hope anyone who feels able to, can discuss how the way MH issues are turned into “insta soundbites” etc is so harmful.

Ironically, I’m struggling with some MH issues myself just now, so it’s really hard to try and summarise what I mean by this thread but I hope you’ll understand!

As an example, sh*t like this, there’s nothing tangible there, but it’s just vague enough to get people to buy into to her brand.

 

[GigglePops]

So, the title of this thread says it all.

This podcast about the so called Holisic Therapist Dr Nicole LaPera covers a LOT.





I hope anyone who feels able to, can discuss how the way MH issues are turned into “insta soundbites” etc is so harmful.

Ironically, I’m struggling with some MH issues myself just now, so it’s really hard to try and summarise what I mean by this thread but I hope you’ll understand!

As an example, sh*t like this, there’s nothing tangible there, but it’s just vague enough to get people to buy into to her brand.

View attachment 2004887

This is also contradictory. 'Do things out of alignment' directly contradicts 'respect the way things are done'. People looking for guidance and meaning, particlaurly in relation to mental health, need clarity of information and not this vague nonsense. It doesn't pass the critical thinking test.

 

[whatisityoucan'tface]

So, the title of this thread says it all.

This podcast about the so called Holisic Therapist Dr Nicole LaPera covers a LOT.





I hope anyone who feels able to, can discuss how the way MH issues are turned into “insta soundbites” etc is so harmful.

Ironically, I’m struggling with some MH issues myself just now, so it’s really hard to try and summarise what I mean by this thread but I hope you’ll understand!

As an example, sh*t like this, there’s nothing tangible there, but it’s just vague enough to get people to buy into to her brand.

View attachment 2004887

No. 5 "real life experiences are more valuable than any credentials" - I can just imagine how a narc or abuser would read that. Tackling MH issues often means facing truths and hearing things you might not like and that might mean listening to people who can take a detached and evidence based view.

I guess she's trying to make the point that all feelings come from *somewhere* and are all valid - even for the worst type of abusive narc - but the juxtaposition with the dig at 'credentials' makes me uneasy.

Not to say that anyone with credentials is automatically brilliant of course - far from it. But I know someone going through issues right now - not a narc or awful person by any means, but is prone to being manipulative and trying to find the 'right' MH advice that will validate the destructive stuff she is doing rather than help her find a way out of it. She'd absolutely love that advice.

 

[rainbowlemon]

Not meant to be inflammatory, but have you read her book "How to do the work" ?

Having been in therapy for almost 5 years now, I personally follow a lot of therapists and read anything and everything to do with therapy. Dr Rimani, Otto kernberg, Dr Blaise Aguirre and John Bradshaw I like more. Kati Morton just annoys me.

The insta style posts aren't the full thing. That above does sound wishy.
---

 

[Sideboard Bob]

Not meant to be inflammatory, but have you read her book "How to do the work" ?

Having been in therapy for almost 5 years now, I personally follow a lot of therapists and read anything and everything to do with therapy. Dr Rimani, Otto kernberg, Dr Blaise Aguirre and John Bradshaw I like more. Kati Morton just annoys me.

The insta style posts aren't the full thing. That above does sound wishy.
---

I’ve not! And I’m really glad you’ve brought this up, because I was coming at it all from a one-sided angle, but things are never just black or white, and it’s an interesting subject to discuss.

 

[MsGilmore]

Ooh interesting thread!
I too am in therapy and follow quite a few therapists etc on Instagram.
I used to be one of Patreon of Kati Morton’s until she moved house and bought a new car, and I questioned how much money she is making. The Shane Dawson videos were also a bad move and I questioned her ethics after that. At one point she seemed desperate for money even though her husband doesn’t work because he edits her videos.

 

[Sideboard Bob]

@StatusWoe I’d love to hear your thoughts too, this thread might be a good place for it!

 

[Kittypops]

I'm here for this x

 

[StatusWoe]

@StatusWoe I’d love to hear your thoughts too, this thread might be a good place for it!

Thanks for making this thread! I'm just going to catch up on the podcast.

 

[AFlyOnYourWall]

Does anyone follow the holistic psychologist on IG? What about her coming on to announce she’s in a throuple with her wife and work colleague

 

[rainbowlemon]

I like her as you can tell and I bought her first book.

It’s not something I would be comfortable doing myself, but as everyone is a consenting adult her personal life is her own.

 

[rainbowlemon]

I also like this guy:

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[StatusWoe]

I'm not sure this is within the scope of the thread, but I want to talk about The Speakmans because mainstream TV (Lorraine, This Morning) feature them a lot.

Firstly, they're always described by the hosts as therapists who treat phobias, PTSD, eating disorders and similar. This is false. They have no relevant qualifications in any area of mental health at any level.

These irresponsible media outlets are platforming two charlatans who are making millions (their house sold for something like 2.5 million so there's money being made somewhere) from their business venture. They're targeting some of the most vulnerable people and promising miracle cures (such as claiming to cure people in one day!). On the surface they seem to have impressive results, but their success rate is so good I think it's unrealistic. I want proof. They have no understanding of phobias and treat sufferers in a very unsympathetic, demeaning way.

I found this very old (2014?) forum post:

And here's an ASA ruling which upholds both complaints made about a misleading Facebook ad by The Speakmans: https://www.asa.org.uk/rulings/the-speakmans-a18-459858.html

Their response:

Appearance isn't everything, but just look at them. Do these faces say 'qualified, empathetic professionals' to you? To me, it's more like ''Code red. The aliens have escaped from Area 51''. Just saying...

Edit: Just wanted to add that I have first-hand experience of panic disorder as well as a severe* phobia, and have worked with others who suffer from these conditions. Nothing about The Speakmans' approach to anxiety disorders seems sincere or helpful in the long-term. I don't buy it.

*I'm not Jack Monroe - that was the psychiatrist's term.

 

[Sideboard Bob]

I'm not sure this is within the scope of the thread, but I want to talk about The Speakmans because mainstream TV (Lorraine, This Morning) feature them a lot.

Firstly, they're always described by the hosts as therapists who treat phobias, PTSD, eating disorders and similar. This is false. They have no relevant qualifications in any area of mental health at any level.

These irresponsible media outlets are platforming two charlatans who are making millions (their house sold for something like 2.5 million so there's money being made somewhere) from their business venture. They're targeting some of the most vulnerable people and promising miracle cures (such as claiming to cure people in one day!). On the surface they seem to have impressive results, but their success rate is so good I think it's unrealistic. I want proof. They have no understanding of phobias and treat sufferers in a very unsympathetic, demeaning way.

I found this very old (2014?) forum post:

View attachment 2015998

And here's an ASA ruling which upholds both complaints made about a misleading Facebook ad by The Speakmans: https://www.asa.org.uk/rulings/the-speakmans-a18-459858.html

View attachment 2016001

View attachment 2016005

Their response:

View attachment 2016007

Appearance isn't everything, but just look at them. Do these faces say 'qualified, empathetic professionals' to you? To me, it's more like ''Code red. The aliens have escaped from Area 51''. Just saying...

View attachment 2015983

Edit: Just wanted to add that I have first-hand experience of panic disorder as well as a severe* phobia, and have worked with others who suffer from these conditions. Nothing about The Speakmans' approach to anxiety disorders seems sincere or helpful in the long-term. I don't buy it.

*I'm not Jack Monroe - that was the psychiatrist's term.

Yes! I think this is perfect for this thread. There are so many people across all forms of media who claim to help, but their main aim is to sell you something.

 

[ScamSandwich]

I'm not sure this is within the scope of the thread, but I want to talk about The Speakmans because mainstream TV (Lorraine, This Morning) feature them a lot.

Firstly, they're always described by the hosts as therapists who treat phobias, PTSD, eating disorders and similar. This is false. They have no relevant qualifications in any area of mental health at any level.

These irresponsible media outlets are platforming two charlatans who are making millions (their house sold for something like 2.5 million so there's money being made somewhere) from their business venture. They're targeting some of the most vulnerable people and promising miracle cures (such as claiming to cure people in one day!). On the surface they seem to have impressive results, but their success rate is so good I think it's unrealistic. I want proof. They have no understanding of phobias and treat sufferers in a very unsympathetic, demeaning way.

I found this very old (2014?) forum post:

View attachment 2015998

And here's an ASA ruling which upholds both complaints made about a misleading Facebook ad by The Speakmans: https://www.asa.org.uk/rulings/the-speakmans-a18-459858.html

View attachment 2016001

View attachment 2016005

Their response:

View attachment 2016007

Appearance isn't everything, but just look at them. Do these faces say 'qualified, empathetic professionals' to you? To me, it's more like ''Code red. The aliens have escaped from Area 51''. Just saying...

View attachment 2015983

Edit: Just wanted to add that I have first-hand experience of panic disorder as well as a severe* phobia, and have worked with others who suffer from these conditions. Nothing about The Speakmans' approach to anxiety disorders seems sincere or helpful in the long-term. I don't buy it.

*I'm not Jack Monroe - that was the psychiatrist's term.

Sorry, not really funny in re to MH matters, but people who have not suffered anxiety will after looking at the picture of those two.

Disclaimer:
I am not shallow and have too suffered from various MH problems and see them as dormant where I constantly have to be aware that they don't pop up but these two people really made me lol.

 

[CarmenGhia]

It's become a really toxic false battle between the inspirational-quote/mindfulness/Instatherapists and another subset of MH influencers who see it as an identity. Neither side is particularly helpful.

 

[MsGilmore]

I'm not sure this is within the scope of the thread, but I want to talk about The Speakmans because mainstream TV (Lorraine, This Morning) feature them a lot.

Firstly, they're always described by the hosts as therapists who treat phobias, PTSD, eating disorders and similar. This is false. They have no relevant qualifications in any area of mental health at any level.

These irresponsible media outlets are platforming two charlatans who are making millions (their house sold for something like 2.5 million so there's money being made somewhere) from their business venture. They're targeting some of the most vulnerable people and promising miracle cures (such as claiming to cure people in one day!). On the surface they seem to have impressive results, but their success rate is so good I think it's unrealistic. I want proof. They have no understanding of phobias and treat sufferers in a very unsympathetic, demeaning way.

I found this very old (2014?) forum post:

View attachment 2015998

And here's an ASA ruling which upholds both complaints made about a misleading Facebook ad by The Speakmans: https://www.asa.org.uk/rulings/the-speakmans-a18-459858.html

View attachment 2016001

View attachment 2016005

Their response:

View attachment 2016007

Appearance isn't everything, but just look at them. Do these faces say 'qualified, empathetic professionals' to you? To me, it's more like ''Code red. The aliens have escaped from Area 51''. Just saying...

View attachment 2015983

Edit: Just wanted to add that I have first-hand experience of panic disorder as well as a severe* phobia, and have worked with others who suffer from these conditions. Nothing about The Speakmans' approach to anxiety disorders seems sincere or helpful in the long-term. I don't buy it.

*I'm not Jack Monroe - that was the psychiatrist's term.

They used to go to a restaurant that my brother worked at about 20 years ago. I think he had another business then, but was always a poser and would turn up in a flash car.
A lot of what they are saying is obvious and seems to be half hypnosis and half CBT. I think they’re able to get the placebo effect.
They are charlatans though! They probably did a one day online course and call themselves therapists! They definitely don’t deserve to be as wealthy as they are. But it’s an industry that is very much unregulated.

 

[prozacprincess]

I'm not sure this is within the scope of the thread, but I want to talk about The Speakmans because mainstream TV (Lorraine, This Morning) feature them a lot.

Firstly, they're always described by the hosts as therapists who treat phobias, PTSD, eating disorders and similar. This is false. They have no relevant qualifications in any area of mental health at any level.

These irresponsible media outlets are platforming two charlatans who are making millions (their house sold for something like 2.5 million so there's money being made somewhere) from their business venture. They're targeting some of the most vulnerable people and promising miracle cures (such as claiming to cure people in one day!). On the surface they seem to have impressive results, but their success rate is so good I think it's unrealistic. I want proof. They have no understanding of phobias and treat sufferers in a very unsympathetic, demeaning way.

I found this very old (2014?) forum post:

View attachment 2015998

And here's an ASA ruling which upholds both complaints made about a misleading Facebook ad by The Speakmans: https://www.asa.org.uk/rulings/the-speakmans-a18-459858.html

View attachment 2016001

View attachment 2016005

Their response:

View attachment 2016007

Appearance isn't everything, but just look at them. Do these faces say 'qualified, empathetic professionals' to you? To me, it's more like ''Code red. The aliens have escaped from Area 51''. Just saying...

View attachment 2015983

Edit: Just wanted to add that I have first-hand experience of panic disorder as well as a severe* phobia, and have worked with others who suffer from these conditions. Nothing about The Speakmans' approach to anxiety disorders seems sincere or helpful in the long-term. I don't buy it.

*I'm not Jack Monroe - that was the psychiatrist's term.

They look like they’re from the same bloodline

 

[Lisdiz]

I once joined a Bata group for Jane Robinson, who a the time charged $500 an hour for private coaching, and watched her coach someone. The person being coached was crying from the trauma she felt and Joanne just started telling her she was choosing her pain and needed to look at her life a different way Etc. I found it deeply disturbing and the person being coach old have benefited more from having the pain she was in acknowledged rather than bypassed. Its scary how many untrained professionals believe that life experience qualifies them for delving into other peoples mental health.
---

They look like they’re from the same bloodline

Careful, you sound a little like a conspiracy theorist. Just waiting for you to say that look reptilian

 

[CarmenGhia]

If a practitioner is talking about "coaching", that's a red flag for me that they're unqualified and aren't working in an evidence-based or patient-centred way.