Decoding Therapy-Speak: A Parent's Guide to Teen Slang
Therapy terms like 'triggering' have entered everyday teen conversation. BBC News offers a parents' guide to understanding this language shift.
The BBC has published a parents' guide to understanding 'therapy-speak'—words and phrases that originated in therapeutic settings but are now common in everyday conversation, especially among teenagers. The article notes that terms such as 'triggering' are frequently heard outside the therapist's office and can confuse parents.
Where therapy-speak comes from
The guide explains that language once confined to therapy sessions has moved into daily life. This shift means parents may hear their teens using clinical or therapeutic vocabulary in casual contexts, which can be puzzling or even alarming.
What parents should know
The BBC's guide aims to help parents decode this language. It suggests that understanding the origins and intended meanings of these terms can bridge communication gaps between generations. The article does not provide specific examples beyond 'triggering' but emphasizes the broader trend.
Looking ahead
As therapy-speak continues to evolve, parents may need to adapt their communication strategies. The BBC guide serves as a starting point for understanding this linguistic phenomenon and fostering better dialogue with teenagers.
Frequently asked questions
What is therapy-speak?
Therapy-speak refers to words and phrases that originated in therapeutic settings but are now used in everyday conversation, especially by teenagers.
Why do teens use therapy-speak?
The BBC guide does not specify reasons, but notes that such language has become common in day-to-day talk among teens.