TheraVoca blog

Gaslighting, Narcissist, Triggered: The Therapy Words We're Using Wrong

Clinical words have flooded everyday talk, and we often use them wrong. Here is what gaslighting, narcissist, triggered, and trauma actually mean, and why precision matters.

Article summary

Clinical words have flooded everyday talk, and we often use them wrong. Here is what gaslighting, narcissist, triggered, and trauma actually mean, and why precision matters.

Article excerpt

Reviewed by TheraVoca's clinical team Gaslighting, narcissist, triggered, trauma, boundaries: clinical words have flooded everyday conversation, and we are often using them wrong. Therapy language going mainstream is not all bad, since it can make feelings easier to name. But when "gaslighting" means "we disagree" and everyone difficult is a "narcissist," the words lose meaning and can shut down real understanding. The Cleveland Clinic and others have flagged this "therapy speak" trend. Here is what some of these terms actually mean, and why precision matters. Know what the words really mean A few of the most stretched terms, in plain language: Gaslighting: a deliberate, repeated effort to.