“Helping” someone involves doing (or not doing) something which improves 
the final outcome of a problem for another person. “Enabling” is any 
behavior that looks like help on the surface, but actually makes the 
problem worse in the long term.

“Helping” someone involves doing (or not doing) something which improves the final outcome of a problem for another person. “Enabling” is any behavior that looks like help on the surface, but actually makes the problem worse in the long term.

Helping Versus Enabling: What's the Difference?

Let's face it, most therapists won't say what they really think. We are a group of Psychologists and Licensed Counselors who have real lives and real opinions. We promise not to use cringy "woo-woo" catch-phrases or whispery soft voices when we talk about difficult topics like self-harm, suicide, parenting out-of-control teens, and more. We combine irreverent humor with information and believe in getting right to the point.

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Helping Versus Enabling: What's the Difference?

Helping Versus Enabling: What's the Difference?