Dr. Courtney Tracy, aka The Truth Doctor, is breaking down barriers in the mental health space. She's known as the no-BS therapist, helping her millions of followers on TikTok address anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. Dr. Courtney joined Cheddar's News Wrap to discuss her unique approach to therapy, why Gen Z is different when it comes to mental health awareness, and how you can best take care of yourself as the holidays approach.

Cheddar's News Wrap

Dr. Courtney Tracy Debunks Stereotypes Around Therapy & Mental Health

you may have seen our next guest while scrolling away on Tiktok, she's a world renowned therapist turned influencer to many millions of people joining me now is dr Courtney Tracy, A. K. A. The truth. Dr so dr Courtney, you are known as the No Bs therapist. Tell us more about your backstory and your approach to therapy, definitely. Well, thank you so much. Michelle. Yes. I'm called the no Bs therapist for my audience for a reason. I specialize in something called existential therapy, which means I'm not interested in being a blank slate therapist, acting like I'm a therapist with no issues and my clients or patients are the ones with the problem. I have a tendency to be open and honest about my own mental health issues. And that's sort of where the NO Bs comes in cause it is B. S. That no therapists have any issues. Now, a lot of your content focuses on gen z, what have you observed about that generation and its approach to mental health. You know, gen z is the type of generation that's really looking for authenticity. They are aware that they have entered into a world where first of all, they have had the internet since the day they were born. So they're exposed to all the issues going on in the world. And essentially, they know the truth, at least their essence of the truth and why things are happening the way that they are. So they want to, they want somebody that going to tell them the truth. That's going to be open and honest about how their mind and body work, how their parents mind and body work and the ability to be open about mental health issues. Because especially since the pandemic, we are all struggling now. Do you see any draw backs to young people who rely on Tiktok for mental health advice rather than actually going to a therapist? I do, and I think that that's really important. Being one of the top mental health creators on Tiktok right now, one of the issues is that it's short form content and it's generalized information. Each person needs to have their own understanding of what they're going through and a clinician to provide them with solutions to that problem. The Ben benefit of being on Tiktok, however, is being able to spread information that somebody would typically only get in a therapy session or not really understand getting it from a non licensed professional. Now, the holidays are just around the corner. So what's your best advice for maintaining mental health during what can be a really stressful time? Well, it can absolutely be a stressful time. I think we've all had really stressful family holidays one time or another. My suggestion would be to focus on your body and I know that sounds very therapist. E but it's important because you can gauge how you're really feeling when you tap into what's going on in your body. And also, I want to say one last thing, if you don't think that you can handle what it's going to be like at your family party, then maybe don't go. And if you do go, then try to set your own expectations for how you are going to respond in these situations. Because you are saying that you'll go, so try to make it the best that you can, even if you may struggle through it. Well, thanks for those tips. That's dr Courtney Tracy and you can check her out on Tiktok at the truth, Doctor