Why pay for counselling when I have TikTok?!
The Rise of Misinformation — and Why Counselling Still Matters
In a world where advice is scattered across TikTok and Instagram feeds, it’s easy to think we know what we should be doing to support our mental health. Isn’t it?
In many ways, it’s incredibly encouraging to see mental health being talked about so openly in spaces that, even a decade ago, would have been met with awkward silence or stigma. As a society, we’ve never had greater access to health information or more opportunity to talk honestly with friends and family about how we’re feeling.
But with this accessibility comes a challenge — the rise of misinformation about wellbeing and mental health. It can be tough to know who or what to believe. How many cold plunges, phone-free hours, or 5 a.m. routines will actually reduce stress and help us live our “best life”?
For many men in particular, social media has added another layer of pressure — to be endlessly productive, stoic, and “in control.” While these messages are often well-intentioned, they can unintentionally reinforce the idea that vulnerability or asking for help is weakness.
The truth is, research increasingly shows that many popular wellness trends have little or no proven benefit — and in some cases, can actually increase stress, guilt, or anxiety when we can’t keep up with them. (For example, studies from reputable sources such as the American Psychological Society and Harvard Health Publishing have noted the mental fatigue caused by “toxic wellness culture.”)
That’s where counselling can make a real difference.
As a Mental Health Social Worker, my role is to stay current with the latest, evidence-based approaches that support genuine mental health and wellbeing. It’s part of my accreditation — but more importantly, it’s a commitment to my clients. I help people make sense of the noise, assess what’s actually supported by research, and find practical, meaningful ways to apply that knowledge to their own lives.
A simple way to describe what I do? Think of counselling like having a personal trainer for your wellbeing. Just as a PT helps with form, accountability, and creating a plan tailored to your goals, a counsellor works alongside you to identify effective, research-backed therapeutic approaches that fit your unique circumstances.
And for men who might find it hard to open up or know where to start, counselling offers a space that’s grounded, genuine, and focused on real strategies — not quick fixes or social media trends.
If you’re curious about exploring counselling, I’d love to hear from you. My clinic is based in Adelaide’s inner south, easily accessible for clients in Glenelg, Somerton Park, Glengowrie, Warradale, Hove, Brighton, and Seacliff. If you’d like to find out more, you can organise an obligation-free call by filling the form here.