"What doesn't kill you makes you stronger", "When one door closes another door opens", "You're only given the battles that you can handle": Quotes in frames at your local HomeGoods, or things you say to people when they're going through a tough time and you have no idea what else to say? (Or perhaps both)?

This week we're talking about platitudes - the somewhat superficial, surface-level advice we give when we want to make someone else feel better but don't want to give it a lot of thought - and whether they are all bad or can actually be helpful.

We discuss the various reasons they get used, why it can feel dismissive to be on the receiving end of one, toxic positivity & when offering platitudes can come across as selfish, and why sometimes the most effective thing you can do is say "that sucks". 

We also chat about the wisdom hiding under the surface of well-known cliches, why who says it to you makes a difference, and how "sloganizing" in therapy content leads to a misunderstanding of what therapy actually is.

About Your Hosts: 

Beth is a licensed, Ph.D. clinical psychologist with 40+ years of experience treating patients of all ages. 

Joyce is a millennial just trying to figure it all out.

Note:

Advice and opinions on this show should not be considered as treatment. Please contact your healthcare provider if you are in need of individualized help.

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