Bad Therapy

Why the Kids Aren't Growing Up

By: Abigail Shrier

Narrated by: Abigail Shrier

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER.

From the author of Irreversible Damage, an investigation into a mental health industry that is harming, not healing, American children

In virtually every way that can be measured, Gen Z’s mental health is worse than that of previous generations. Youth suicide rates are climbing, antidepressant prescriptions for children are common, and the proliferation of mental health diagnoses has not helped the staggering number of kids who are lonely, lost, sad and fearful of growing up. What’s gone wrong with America’s youth?

In Bad Therapy, bestselling investigative journalist Abigail Shrier argues that the problem isn’t the kids—it’s the mental health experts. Drawing on hundreds of interviews with child psychologists, parents, teachers, and young people, Shrier explores the ways the mental health industry has transformed the way we teach, treat, discipline, and even talk to our kids. She reveals that most of the therapeutic approaches have serious side effects and few proven benefits. Among her unsettling findings:

• Talk therapy can induce rumination, trapping children in cycles of anxiety and depression
• Social Emotional Learning handicaps our most vulnerable children, in both public schools and private
• “Gentle parenting” can encourage emotional turbulence – even violence – in children as they lash out, desperate for an adult in charge

Mental health care can be lifesaving when properly applied to children with severe needs, but for the typical child, the cure can be worse than the disease. Bad Therapy is a must-read for anyone questioning why our efforts to bolster America’s kids have backfired—and what it will take for parents to lead a turnaround.

Critic reviews

"Every parent should read this."—Elon Musk

“Essential reading for parents, teachers, and mental health professionals.”—Richard J. McNally, PhD, professor of psychology at Harvard University

“Shrier persuasively and forcefully demonstrates how mental health professionals (and some parents) often make things worse for the kids and adolescents they aim to help."—Elizabeth Loftus, distinguished professor of psychological science at University of California, Irvine

“A powerful critique of a culture in which ‘traumatic’ describes anything from horrific abuse to your new laptop going on the blink.”—Elizabeth Gaufberg, MD, associate professor of medicine and psychiatry at Harvard Medical School

“Shocking, revelatory, and eminently important... A must read!”—Amy Chua, Yale law professor and author of Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother and The Golden Gate

“Five stars.”—Caitlin Flanagan, staff writer at The Atlantic

“A dazzling combination of investigative reporting and story-telling.”—Gerald Posner, award-winning investigative journalist and author of Pharma

"An astute and impassioned analysis of the mental-health crisis now afflicting adolescents." —Kay Hymowitz, City Journal

“Fascinating, urgent.” —Bari Weiss, Free Press

“Bad Therapy takes a sledgehammer to every article of therapeutic parenting and pedagogical faith.”—Mary Harrington, Unherd

"Pacy, no-holds barred....a thought-provoking, though uncomfortable, read."—Financial Times

Where did we go wrong? Turns out it’s pretty obvious…

A straightforward, realistic, and understandable explanation for why our younger generation is struggling to adapt to adulthood

Such simple yet profound!

This book is eye opening, jaw dropping, thought provoking and made me cry on several occasions. We tried to make our kids lives gentler to save them from the heartache…..only to find out that is most likely NOT the way…read the book.

Fantastic insight on modern times "therapy"

Eye opening and though provoking. I highly recommend this book. It is a must read/listen to anyone navigating modern times, especially in Western nations. Many of modern educations problems are explored and exposed for the progressive agenda they truly are.

I wish I had this idea when my kids were younger!

We listen to far to many outside people about our kids. I loved this and am glad I spent the time with it.

Every parent should read this

This is one of the most timely books ever written. We are currently in the therapy epidemic which is hurting our children. This book will help you understand what to do and how to raise great children.