Reframing language in mental health discourses: Towards a more humane approach.

Abstract

This is a reflection on the nature of language used by psychologists in the contexts of referrals and assessments. Through an example of a brief referral, I attempt to unpack the "clinical" language that may dehumanise and pathologise individuals. Further, I attempt to reframe it through a language, that is not just a shift from "deficits" to "strengths", rather a discourse respecting personhood. With a brief emphasis on neurodiversity and feminism, I reflect on the importance of incorporating affirmative language whether it is neuro-affirmative, queer-affirmative, age- or caste-affirmative, within and outside mental health practice.