Bad Therapy: Why the Kids Aren't Growing Up

Shrier criticizes the use of modern psychotherapeutic methods on all but the most ‘obviously’ mentally ill. According to Shrier, instead of helping people, modern therapy has increased the levels of anxiety and depression among the populace. Highlighting its many negative side effects, she maintains that the overuse of therapy has caused Generation Z to be fearful, pessimistic, and lacking a sense of agency.

Acknowledging that therapy can be useful for adults, Shrier claims that the power differential between an adult therapist and a child prevents children from recognizing inappropriate advice and placing any advice in context. She argues that when children are sent to a therapist, they assume something is wrong with them, something their parents are unable to fix. Subsequent diagnoses by the therapist reinforce this belief; they are likely to cause children to lose self-confidence and to rely on these diagnoses as crutches. Shrier stresses how modern therapy threatens parent-child relationships in this way and others. For example, therapists inquire into parenting methods and the reactions children have to them, leaving the children to think that their parents have caused their problems. Sometimes, therapists encourage patients to break from toxic family members as well.

The focus on a client’s feelings in therapy enrages Shrier.