Psychotherapist Joe Nucci (@JoeNucciTherapy) shares truth and research as he discusses common
mental health myths and replaces them with no-nonsense truths and accessible guidance for real
healing. The popularization of mental health content on social media has led to an epidemic of
mental health misinformation. In Psychobabble licensed psychotherapist Joe Nucci argues that
too many of us are self-diagnosing improperly deploying therapy-speak and even coaching
others to engage in harmful activities under the guise of “self-care.” Nucci dismantles 40
popular misconceptions such as: Everyone needs to go to therapy. Your feelings are credible.
People gaslight you when they disagree. Mindfulness is good for everyone. Everyone has trauma.
The reason you can’t focus is ADHD. This dangerous misinformation encourages well-meaning
individuals to make consequential life decisions based on false beliefs half-truths and the
advice of unlicensed armchair experts. It is time for a professional to call this out. Nucci
replaces these myths with liberating truths that can help readers avoid misinformation
navigate important philosophical debates and better maneuver their own mental health journeys.
He shares client examples and evidence-based psychological theory and draws from reputable
studies and research. TikTok influencers and “life coaches” create viral videos telling people
to cut off their problematic parents and are cheered on by millions of followers. Recent
divorcees proudly declare on Instagram that they are finally healing from their “narcissistic”
ex-partner even though you get the sense they can’t actually define that word. Teenage “mental
health advocates” lament the struggles of living with autism but then subtly add that their
condition is “self-diagnosed.” It is time for a professional to call out the misinformation and
absurdity. Psychobabble is a must-read book for anyone who values mental health and cares about
others.
