Beyond the Acronyms: Defending the Work of Therapy and Social Work

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Defending the Work of Therapy and Social Work

 

Every time I publish an article, I expect a range of reactions. It comes with the territory of writing about social work and mental health. Some responses challenge my ideas constructively, offering different perspectives that add depth to the discussion. Others, however, reflect a more fundamental skepticism—if not outright dismissal—of therapy and social work as legitimate fields. My most recent article received comments that weren’t just critiques of methodology but seemed to question the very necessity of therapy and the integrity of therapists themselves. This feels like a broader trend, and it’s worth unpacking.

 

The Skepticism Toward Therapy

 

Some of the comments echoed a common sentiment: therapy is just another “alphabet soup” of acronyms—CBT, ACT, DBT, EMDR—none of which are fundamentally different from past psychological fads. The implication is that therapy is more about branding than effectiveness, and that therapists might be more interested in selling a technique than genuinely helping clients.

I understand where this skepticism comes from. The mental health field has seen shifting paradigms over the decades, and not every new modality is a revolutionary breakthrough. However, evidence-based practices exist for a reason. The effectiveness of CBT, ACT, and other structured approaches is supported by research, and while they aren’t one-size-fits-all solutions, they provide real benefits to many people. Therapy, at its core, is about helping individuals navigate their lives in ways that are meaningful to them.

 

The Case for Professionalism in Social Work

 

Another critique suggested that mental health professionals don’t have a unique claim to empathy and human connection. This is a fair point—showing up, being present, and engaging in meaningful conversations can be deeply therapeutic, even outside a professional setting. But that doesn’t mean therapy is unnecessary.

Social workers and therapists aren’t just trained in listening; they are trained in guiding. A friend or community member can offer support, but professionals provide structured interventions based on psychological principles. Therapy isn’t about replacing human connection—it’s about strengthening it.

 

 

The “Social” in Social Work

 

One comment questioned whether my approach to social work was missing its “social” component, suggesting that private practice lacks the systemic engagement that early social workers championed. I think this critique speaks to an important distinction: social work isn’t just about individual therapy; it also involves advocacy, policy work, and addressing the larger social determinants of health.

That said, private practice doesn’t inherently strip away the “social” aspect of social work. Many therapists engage in advocacy, collaborate with community resources, and work toward systemic change in ways that may not always be visible. Just because a therapist operates in a private setting doesn’t mean they have abandoned the broader mission of social work.

 

The Nature of Criticism in Mental Health

 

Finally, some comments were less about the content of my article and more about making assumptions about me as a professional. This, I believe, reflects a deeper issue in how people engage with discussions on mental health. There’s a long-standing skepticism toward therapy, and for some, that skepticism turns into personal dismissal of those who work in the field. It’s a symptom of a cultural divide: those who see therapy as valuable and those who see it as unnecessary—or even harmful.

I don’t expect to change the minds of those who fundamentally distrust therapy. But I do hope to push back against the idea that mental health work is just a collection of buzzwords and empty practices. Therapy, when done right, is both science and art, both structured and deeply human. And for those who need it, it can be life-changing.

Criticism will always come, and I welcome dialogue. But I also stand by the work I do. And for those who feel misunderstood or dismissed in their struggles, I hope therapy—whatever form it takes—can be a space where they are truly seen.

What do you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts on these critiques. Have you encountered similar skepticism about therapy or social work? Let’s continue the conversation.

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Empowering Recovery: Mental HEALTH AFFAIRS BLOG

In a world filled with noise, where discussions on mental health are often either stigmatised or oversimplified, one blog has managed to carve out a space for authentic, in-depth conversations: Mental Health Affairs. Founded by Max E. Guttman, LCSW, the blog has become a sanctuary for those seeking understanding, clarity, and real talk about the complexities of mental health—both in personal experiences and in larger societal contexts.

3 thoughts on “Beyond the Acronyms: Defending the Work of Therapy and Social Work”

  1. See my reply to Max in MIA!!! Thanks do much fir allowing me into your blogosphere! How do you do it time wise? Best, Mary

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