The Dangers of Over-Therapizing Children

In recent years, the mental health of children has become a focal point of concern for parents, educators, and healthcare professionals. With rising rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues among youth, the instinct to seek therapeutic interventions has intensified. However, an emerging body of research and expert opinion suggests that over-therapizing children—subjecting them to excessive or inappropriate therapeutic interventions—can have detrimental effects. This article explores the potential dangers of over-therapizing children, drawing on recent studies, expert insights, and real-world examples.

The Rise of Therapy Culture

The proliferation of therapy culture in the United States has led to an increased reliance on mental health professionals to address a wide range of childhood issues. Abigail Shrier, in her book “Bad Therapy: Why the Kids Aren’t Growing Up,” argues that the mental health industry has transformed the way we teach, treat, and discipline children, often to their detriment. Shrier contends that the over-saturation of therapeutic techniques and interventions has not alleviated the mental health crisis among youth but has instead contributed to it.

Negative Effects of Excessive Therapy

1. Increased Anxiety and Depression

One of the most concerning outcomes of over-therapizing children is the potential for increased anxiety and depression. A study published in The Atlantic found that adolescents who participated in a dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) program reported worsened relationships with their parents, increased depression and anxiety, and lower emotional regulation and self-awareness compared to a control group. These findings suggest that therapy, when not appropriately tailored to the child’s needs, can exacerbate rather than alleviate mental health issues.

2. Dependency and Stigma

Excessive therapy can also lead to dependency on mental health professionals and the stigmatization of normal childhood behaviors. The Negative Effects Questionnaire, developed to monitor adverse effects of psychological treatments, identified dependency and stigma as significant negative impacts experienced by children undergoing therapy. Children may come to rely on therapists for problem-solving and emotional regulation, hindering their development of independent coping skills.

3. False or Implanted Memories

Therapists may inadvertently implant false memories or promote destructive beliefs, leading to significant psychological harm. The phenomenon of false memory syndrome, where individuals recall events that never occurred, has been linked to suggestive therapeutic practices. This can result in family estrangement, major depression, and other severe mental health issues.

The Role of Parents and Educators

Parents and educators play a crucial role in the therapeutic process, and their involvement can significantly impact the outcomes of therapy. However, research indicates that parent engagement problems, such as poor treatment adherence and premature termination, are common barriers to effective therapy. Additionally, the over-involvement of parents in therapy can sometimes maintain or even exacerbate a child’s anxiety, as seen in exposure therapy for anxiety disorders.

The Therapeutic Relationship

The quality of the therapeutic relationship is a critical factor in the success of therapy. A positive therapeutic relationship can facilitate early changes in motivation and engagement for both children and parents. However, when this relationship is strained or when the therapy process does not align with the child’s needs, it can lead to negative experiences and outcomes. A study published in Mad in America found that 66.7% of youth reported experiencing at least one negative effect from their psychotherapy, with increased stress and unpleasant memories being the most common.

The Impact of Cultural and Structural Factors

Cultural and structural factors also play a significant role in the mental health of children. Issues such as racism, violence, discrimination, and the opioid epidemic contribute to the mental health crisis and complicate the therapeutic process. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these issues, pushing many children beyond their coping thresholds and leading to increased despair and mental health challenges.

The Case for Balanced Intervention

While therapy can be beneficial for children with severe mental health needs, it is essential to strike a balance and avoid over-therapizing. Dr. Emily, a child psychologist, emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the right therapies at the right time to ensure optimal progress and a positive experience for the child. Overloading a child with multiple therapies can lead to unnecessary stress and hinder development, particularly for neurodivergent children who are more sensitive to anxiety and fatigue.

Recommendations for Parents and Practitioners

1. Assess the Necessity of Therapy: Not every child requires therapeutic intervention. Parents and practitioners should carefully assess whether therapy is necessary and appropriate for the child’s specific needs. For example, children with severe anxiety or depression may benefit from therapy, while those with minor behavioral issues may not.
2. Prioritize Effective Therapies: Focus on the most effective therapies for the child’s needs and avoid overloading them with multiple interventions. This approach can help reduce stress and improve the overall effectiveness of therapy.
3. Monitor Progress and Adjust as Needed: Regularly monitor the child’s progress in therapy and be open to adjusting the approach if it is not yielding the desired results. Taking breaks from therapy can sometimes lead to renewed progress when it resumes.
4. Involve Parents Appropriately: Parents should be involved in the therapeutic process but should avoid overstepping their role. They should provide support and encouragement without maintaining or exacerbating the child’s anxiety.
5. Educate and Train Educators: Teachers and school staff should receive proper training in mental health issues to effectively support students without overstepping their roles. Schools should also ensure that mental health interventions are appropriately targeted and not applied universally.

The dangers of over-therapizing children are becoming increasingly evident as more research highlights the potential negative effects of excessive and inappropriate therapeutic interventions. While therapy can be a valuable tool for addressing severe mental health needs, it is crucial to strike a balance and avoid overloading children with unnecessary treatments. By carefully assessing the necessity of therapy, prioritizing effective interventions, and involving parents and educators appropriately, we can help ensure that therapy serves as a beneficial support rather than a source of additional stress and harm.