“Just Be More This TikTok Therapist”: A Narrative Inquiry of Social Workers’ Stories on the Influence of Social Media in Therapy

Abstract

Mental health discourse on social media is reshaping the therapeutic relationship between service consumers and social workers. This qualitative study examines social work therapists’ perspectives on how social media influences the therapeutic process. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 29 social workers providing psychotherapy. Using a narrative inquiry approach, the study explored therapists’ experiences with clients’ increasing engagement with social media. Key themes included (a) social media’s role in normalizing and destigmatizing mental health conditions, (b) shifting client expectations as “therapy consumers” shaped by online interactions, and (c) the challenges of misinformation as therapists navigate clients’ self-diagnosis and misdiagnosis. The study concludes with recommendations for integrating digital literacy, critical thinking, and a balanced approach to social media’s influence within therapeutic practice.