4. Acknowledge the mental health complexities of clients

Impact and approach

People most likely to seek mental health treatment may come from complicated and diverse backgrounds that can lead to atypical behaviour and experiences.

Affirm their complex histories by avoiding generalizing language that makes assumptions about how participants behave.

Generalizing language such as “like most of us,” “as you know,” or “like everyone” can be exclusionary, implying that only normal people fall within the category.

Try language instead, like “many people,” “you may experience,” or “some people.”

Additionally, it is helpful to use language that considers the depth and origins of mental illness. Phrases that boil mental health down to “thinking differently” or “stop thinking bad thoughts” do the opposite.

We never have complete control of our minds. Content should be written with an awareness of the complexity of beliefs and their connection to trauma.

Avoid providing conflicting solutions for conditions with different symptoms.

For instance, many patients who struggle with intrusive thoughts find it difficult to challenge unhelpful thoughts without support from a psychologist.