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In the Writing
Here at Untangled Mind℠, you'll discover my deep passion and ongoing pursuit of rigorous, evidence-based mental health care. Through this blog, I share thoughtful insights, practical strategies, and reflections drawn from the Untangled Mind Pathway℠, my structured, measurement-based framework designed to move beyond subjectivity toward real, trackable progress. I love exploring ideas that elevate standards in therapy and empower both clients and clinicians. Most posts have a companion episode on the podcast, so be sure to check out both.
Welcome, let's untangle the mind together!
Therapy for the Burdened and the Bored
Something subtle has shifted in the mental health field, though few inside the profession seem willing to say it plainly. Therapy, once understood as a clinical intervention for real suffering, now increasingly resembles a consumable, another lifestyle accessory among many, curated to match preference and identity rather than employed to transform a life. The shift did not happen all at once. It has been slow, incremental, and mostly unspoken. But it has changed what therapy
Piper Harris, LPC
Jan 1410 min read
Catching Flak: When Pushback Becomes a Wall
When I speak directly about problems in our field, as I did in a recent LinkedIn exchange, the reactions are telling. Many colleagues agree, admitting what they already see: therapy has slid into endless nodding, soothing, and emotional co-signing. Clients leave comforted for an hour but unchanged in their lives. Others admit they dislike this trend but feel pressured to conform to “hold space” rather than challenge. This isn’t new. Clients often come to me after cycling thro
Piper Harris, LPC
Oct 4, 20256 min read
Catching Flak: "Jack of All Trades, Master of None" – The Push for Generalist Therapists and the Risks Involved
In today’s rapidly evolving mental health landscape, there is an increasing push for therapists to become generalists, handling a wide range of issues from trauma to addiction, anxiety to grief, without specific specialization. The appeal of the generalist approach is clear—it promises versatility, flexibility, and a broader client base. However, the adage "Jack of all trades, master of none" aptly applies to this trend, raising concerns about the quality of care, ethical res
Piper Harris, LPC
Oct 17, 20246 min read
Catching Flak: Yes Master – The Harmful Norms of “Indentured Servitude” in Counseling
The mental health field is built on the principles of care, compassion, and support—ideals that we as therapists strive to uphold in every session. But behind the scenes, the counseling industry is plagued by outdated and harmful practices that foster a culture of exploitation. One of the most insidious of these is what I refer to as “indentured servitude,” where therapists—especially new ones—are often subjected to unethical, exploitative working conditions. This isn’t just
Piper Harris, LPC
Oct 1, 20245 min read
Catching Flak Series: Broken Therapist
When Unresolved Issues Lead to Unethical Practice in Counseling
Piper Harris, LPC
Aug 27, 20246 min read
Catching Flak Series: Feelings Aren't Facts
In the evolving landscape of mental health counseling, there is an ongoing debate about the role emotions should play in therapeutic settings. Traditionally, therapy has been seen as a safe space for clients to explore their feelings, understand their underlying thoughts, and develop strategies for improving mental health. However, in recent years, the counseling industry has increasingly leaned toward an approach that prioritizes emotional validation above all else. While em
Piper Harris, LPC
Aug 12, 202410 min read
Catching Flak Series: The Harmful Consequences of Unvalidated Techniques in Mental Health Counseling
Why Empirical Evidence and Measurable Outcomes Matter for Effective Therapy
Piper Harris, LPC
Aug 3, 20248 min read
Catching Flak: The Hidden Harms in Counseling
In my upcoming series of discussions, I will address some uncomfortable truths about the counseling industry. These are not easy conversations and are certainly not without personal risk. Recently, I have faced assault due to my willingness to speak out against the entrenched norms and typical practices within our field. However, I remain steadfast in my commitment to advocating for change and implementing proven validated techniques. The need for change in counseling is echo
Piper Harris, LPC
Jul 21, 20242 min read
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