Words-as-Therapy vs Words-as-Truth
Words-as-Therapy vs Words-as-Truth Why Healing Language and Truth Language Must Not Be Confused I. Orientation: The Source of a Modern Breakdown In contemporary culture, a subtle but dangerous collapse has occurred: Therapeutic language is often treated as if it were truth language—and truth language is often condemned for not being therapeutic. This confusion creates two symmetrical failures: truth that wounds unnecessarily therapy that quietly replaces reality Both failures harm the very people they claim to help. Words-as-Therapy vs Words-as-Truth is a doctrine of discernment —not opposition. II. Two Different Functions, Not Two Enemies These are not rival categories. They are distinct functions serving different goals. Words-as-Therapy ask: What helps this person heal right now? Words-as-Truth ask: What accurately describes reality, regardless of comfort? Confusing function leads to misuse. III. Words-as-Therapy (Defined Precisely) Words-as-Therapy ...