Stop Weaponizing Therapy Speak [Ep 98]

Therapy terms were meant to heal—so why are they tearing us apart? Today we dig into therapy speak fatigue: how labels like “gaslighting,” “narcissist,” and even “boundaries” get weaponized, why validation isn’t agreement, and how to communicate without hiding behind buzzwords. We share concrete phrasing to replace labels with specifics so you can actually fix problems (and reconnect).Chapters • 00:00 Cold open: “Therapy speak is creating a divide” • 00:40 Intro + what we mean by “therapy speak” • 03:10 Weaponizing labels (gaslighting, narcissist, “holding space”) • 07:25 When big words dilute real abuse and real harm • 11:40 Validation vs. agreement (and why constant validation backfires) • 15:30 Boundaries vs. pathologizing: the clean way to set a boundary • 20:05 Scripts: describe behaviors without buzzwords • 25:10 Kids/Gen Z, schools, and the “diagnosis as identity” trap • 29:45 “Therapist as judge” + why outsourced accountability fails • 34:20 Coaching lens: responsibility you control vs. world you don’t • 38:15 If your partner weaponizes therapy speak—what to do next • 43:10 Weekly challenge + recapRelevant links & resources • Show site & all episodes: https://betterthanperfectpod.com • Gottman Institute (communication & conflict research): https://www.gottman.com • “Attached” (attachment styles): Amir Levine & Rachel HellerSend us your story or question: [e-mail] on socials: @betterthanperfectpodcastTakeaways • Use specifics over labels: “When you did X, I experienced Y. Here’s what I need next.” • Boundaries you control: “If name-calling starts, I’ll pause this convo and reschedule.” • Validation ≠ agreement. You can honor feelings without surrendering facts.