Gen Z Therapists: More Than Just Vibes and TikTok Trends

More Than Just Vibes and TikTok Trends: The Reality of Being a Gen Z Therapist

When people think of Gen Z therapists, they might picture someone who speaks in memes, prescribes journaling like it's a magic cure-all, and has a therapy room filled with aesthetic mood lighting and plush seating. And while, yes, we do love a good vibe, being a therapist in this generation is so much more than just staying on top of TikTok trends and using cozy aesthetics to make therapy inviting.

As Gen Z therapists, we’re navigating a unique space in the mental health world. We’re young enough to relate to our clients’ experiences—understanding the burnout, existential dread, and pressure of hustle culture firsthand—yet we’re also tasked with upholding the integrity of clinical work in a profession that’s been around much longer than us. It’s a balancing act of embracing modern approaches while respecting the foundational principles of therapy.

Breaking the Stigma, One Reel at a Time

Our generation is tackling mental health stigma head-on in ways that previous generations never could. Through social media, we have the power to reach thousands—sometimes millions—of people with psychoeducation, coping skills, and normalizing conversations about therapy. While some may roll their eyes at therapists posting on TikTok or Instagram, the reality is that this is a major way people are introduced to the idea of seeking help. We’re making therapy accessible, and that’s a win.

That being said, there’s a fine line between education and misinformation. Not every trendy therapy term is used correctly, and as therapists, we often have to correct misconceptions—like explaining that gaslighting isn’t just “when someone disagrees with you” or that boundaries aren’t the same as cutting people off completely. It’s a constant effort to provide ethical, nuanced, and evidence-based information in an online world that thrives on quick soundbites.

The Challenge of Credibility

Being a younger therapist comes with its challenges. Clients (and sometimes colleagues) may question our experience, assuming we’re too young to “really get it.” But the truth is, being a good therapist isn’t just about age—it’s about the quality of our training, our ability to connect with clients, and our dedication to lifelong learning.

We bring fresh perspectives to the field, challenging outdated ideas and advocating for inclusivity, trauma-informed care, and intersectional approaches. We understand that therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all, and we’re actively working to decolonize mental health practices, dismantle stigma in marginalized communities, and make therapy feel safer and more relevant for younger generations.

Self-Care Isn’t Just a Buzzword

Let’s be real: working in mental health can be a lot. We’re holding space for clients who are dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, identity struggles, and life stressors—while also managing our own lives, bills, and (sometimes) imposter syndrome. The expectation to be both the healer and the hustler is exhausting, and self-care isn’t just an aesthetic—it’s essential.

For Gen Z therapists, self-care isn’t just about bubble baths and matcha lattes (though, no shame if that’s your thing!). It’s about setting boundaries, knowing when to take a break from the endless scroll of mental health content, and making sure we’re practicing what we preach. Burnout is real, and we’re not immune to it just because we talk about coping skills all day.

More Than Just a Trend—We’re Here to Stay

Being a Gen Z therapist is about more than just incorporating pop culture references into sessions or making therapy feel approachable—it’s about reshaping mental health care to be more inclusive, informed, and effective for the modern world. We’re not just following trends; we’re setting new standards for what it means to be a therapist in the digital age.

So, to my fellow Gen Z therapists: keep doing the work, keep setting boundaries, and keep proving that we’re more than just vibes. We’re the future of this field, and we’re here to stay.