The Diagnosis Trap: Why I Won't Label You and How You Can Reclaim Your Agency

As a therapist trained in the UK and now a life coach in the US, I've seen two vastly different approaches to human suffering. The one that causes me the most concern—and the one I want to challenge—is the pervasive, unquestioning reliance on diagnosis and medication as the first line of treatment in the US.

You are not broken. You are struggling, and that is not the same as being mentally ill or impaired. Struggling is a valuable human experience from which you can learn and grow. Before accepting a diagnosis and quick-fix pill that risks dependence and may even get in the way of building essential coping skills, I encourage you to explore your own resources.

The Problem with the DSM and the Medical Model

The foundation of the "diagnose-and-medicate" approach is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). This book is often presented as a scientific bible, but the truth is far more complex:

• Lack of Robust Science: The DSM categories are largely based on consensus among a board, not objective, biological tests. There is little-to-no evidence that these labels point to distinct, verifiable brain diseases.

• The Diagnosis Trap: Assigning a DSM label often shifts the focus away from what happened to you and towards what is wrong with you. It reduces your complex human struggle into a medical condition, leading directly to a prescription pad.

I believe this approach has led far too many people—especially children and teenagers—to be wrongly convinced that there is a fundamental flaw in their brain chemistry. This belief is disempowering; it takes away your agency.

My Commitment: No Diagnosis, Only Empowerment

This is why, in my practice, I will never diagnose you.

My work is founded on the belief that most people who are struggling are not mentally ill; they are simply experiencing a normal, human reaction to difficult circumstances, unprocessed trauma, or under developed life skills, such as adaptability and resilience.

Instead of a label and a drug, I offer:

• Understanding: We work together to uncover the underlying issues—the thoughts, emotions, patterns, and environmental factors—that are causing your distress.

• Skills Building: I help you develop the concrete skills you need to manage your own mind—your thoughts, feelings, and emotional responses—so you can cope with the challenges you face and get your life back on track.

• Reclaiming Agency: The goal is for you to understand that you can make changes to how you think and feel. You are not a passive victim of your biology; you are the agent of your own change.

A Crucial Warning on Psychiatric Drugs (And How to Stop Safely)

If you or a loved one are struggling, the desire for a quick fix—for the pain to just stop—is completely understandable. But please be aware of the high cost of this convenience: the risk of a lifetime of dependence and unnecessary misery.

Before starting any psychiatric medication for yourself or your child, I urge you to read Laura Delano's book, Unshrunk. Delano offers vital, detailed information about the potential long-term effects of these drugs. Most importantly, she sheds light on a frequently overlooked danger: withdrawal symptoms.

A Critical Note: Coming off psychiatric medication too quickly can create severe withdrawal symptoms that are often misinterpreted by doctors as a return of the original "mental illness." This false conclusion is then used to convince the person that they need the drugs to function, trapping them in a cycle of dependence.

Delano advocates for an extremely cautious, slow, and non-linear tapering process. She suggests a very slow reduction of 10% less each time (10% of the last dose, not the original dose) to minimize the devastating effects of withdrawal. This is a complex, long-term process, and her book is a helpful reference.

I am not a doctor and I cannot advise you on medication. If you are taking drugs, you must consult with a trusted medical professional to devise a safe tapering plan. But I urge you: Do your own research first. Read Unshrunk.

The Path to Independence: Reach Out Sooner

If you are struggling, please don't wait until you're at the point of desperation, where medication feels like the only answer. Reach out sooner rather than later.

I offer a safe, non-judgmental space where we can begin the real work of understanding your experiences, building your inner resilience, and providing the support you need to feel valued, capable, and empowered to make the best decisions for you.

Don't underestimate yourself, you have the power to manage your mind, find solutions to your problems and get your life on track. Let's work together to help you reclaim it.

Thank you

My sincere thanks go to Laura Delano for the courage to question those who believed they knew her better than she knew herself and for sharing her story in Unshrunk. You can learn more about Laura’s vital work today through the Inner Compass Initiative.

Thank you also to my husband who learned about the book whilst listening to a podcast and bought a copy for me as he thought I might find it interesting... he knows me well!

If you are interested in learning more about my work and how I help people build the skills they need to thrive in our complex world, to fully engage with all life has to offer, and to turn their struggles into learning that builds adaptability and resilience, you can connect with me here: https://www.unburdennow.com/contact

Recommended Resource

Unshrunk: A Story of Psychiatric Treatment Resistance

by Laura Delano

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