2025 Therapy Trends: Embracing Tech, Self-Compassion, & Smashing Weight Stigma

As we bid adieu to 2024—a year that felt like the love child of a rollercoaster and a soap opera—it's time to channel our inner visionaries and set our sights on the future of therapy and mental health care. Here are some wishes for 2025, each as unique as a snowflake and as essential as Wi-Fi. These aspirations aim to revolutionize mental health care, champion self-compassion, and dismantle the ever-persistent weight stigma and productivity culture.

Embracing Tech - with a Human Touch 

In 2024, we witnessed the rise of AI, and in therapy that meant chatbots offering midnight pep talks and virtual reality helping folks confront their fear of public speaking without the actual public, like in this Le Monde article. There have been some mis-steps with the technology, too, though that should be mentioned to balance the scales of the AI overload. 

While these innovations are interesting, they should complement, not replace, human therapists. After all, no algorithm can replicate the experience or expertise or engagement you get with a seasoned therapist.

What I would like to see more of is people using virtual therapy spaces in different ways. I love seeing a glimpse of my clients’ real lives, and also being able to access their bookshelf, closet, kitchen, or safe space with them in therapy. This is just one of the reasons I love virtual therapy, and I hope more people will embrace it moving forward - I think it’s here to stay!

Integrating Mental and Physical Health: The Dynamic Duo

Gone are the days when mental and physical health were treated like distant cousins who only met at awkward family reunions. In 2025, we wish for a seamless integration of mental and physical health care, where advanced primary care models embrace behavioral health services with open arms. This holistic approach promises improved outcomes, reduced costs, and a health care experience that doesn't feel like navigating a labyrinth without a map. I am really hoping doctors get the memo to stop prescribing and start talking to figure out what their patients really need…and referring them to holistic lifestyle changes. Maybe even therapy (not diets)?

With people moving out of offices, perhaps we will start having home based care for adults? I would love to be able to offer support at home for clients who need it in a way that is consistent with ethics and values. It is a well established level of care with kids, why not adults?

And speaking of things that we have for kids, not adults - what about camp? I loved camp when I was a kid, and would kind of love to go back. There are various ways to do that, of course, but here are some wellness travel trends for 2025 that might inspire…or maybe you just want a summer camp for adults - I was seriously thinking about Camp Chateau in France? I guess sometimes they call them “retreats,” too.

Prioritize Self-Compassion Over Perfection & Escape the Productivity Hamster Wheel

The cult of productivity had us all believing that "busy" is a personality trait. Let's face it: we're often our own worst critics, wielding self-judgment like a toddler with a permanent marker—recklessly and with little regard for the mess it creates. In a world that glorifies busyness, we've become like hamsters on a wheel—running furiously but not actually getting anywhere. But in 2024, a shift began towards valuing self-compassion over relentless self-optimization.

In 2025, let's continue to embrace the idea that it's okay to rest, to say no, and to binge-watch an entire season without guilt. By embracing mindfulness, self-kindness, and a sense of common humanity, we can transform our inner monologue from a relentless critic to a supportive best friend who always has our back (and maybe even brings us snacks). We can challenge the cult of productivity and embrace the radical notion that rest, leisure, and simply existing are valuable in their own right. 

After all, even superheroes take off their capes sometimes.

Dismantling Weight Stigma in Health Care: Because Scales Are for Fish

Weight stigma remained a persistent issue in 2024, often masquerading as "health concerns." But that kind of asinine, petty, mean girl stigma has overstayed its welcome, much like that expired yogurt lurking in the back of your fridge. 

In 2025, how about we dismantle weight stigma and promote weight neutrality? We can, recognizing that health and well-being come in all shapes and sizes - if you haven’t seen it already, this Poodle Science video is a classic - and just common sense. By embracing the Health at Every Size (HAES®) philosophy, we can focus on holistic health without the unnecessary detour through the land of judgment and shame.

In 2025, let's wish for a health care system that recognizes that, focusing on holistic well-being rather than numbers on a scale.

Because your worth isn't measured in pounds or kilograms; it's measured in the joy you bring to the world (and possibly the number of dog photos on your phone).

Integrating Mindfulness into Daily Life

Mindfulness became more than just a buzzword in 2024; it became a lifeline.

In 2025, let's integrate mindfulness into our daily routines—not as another task on the to-do list, but as a way to truly experience life.

Whether it's savoring your morning coffee or actually listening during Zoom meetings, mindfulness can transform the mundane into the meaningful.

Keep in mind (ha ha) that mindfulness means something a little different to everyone. The main thing, though, is being aware without judgment - of yourself, the experience, others, otters (spell check threw that in there and it was too funny to edit out).

Without judgment…such a simple phrase for something so difficult. It takes practice, no doubt, so I have had to find ways to add it into my life that feel genuine. One surprising way I did that in 2024 was by adding affirmations to my daily routine through the I Am app - it took a while, but it does make me think about my expectations and judgments and help me be more open minded towards myself. 

Expanding Access to Mental Health Care

Despite increased awareness, access to mental health care remained a challenge in 2024.

In 2025, let's advocate for policies that make mental health services as ubiquitous as cat videos on the internet.

Because everyone deserves support, whether they're dealing with anxiety, depression, or existential dread.

I have been writing much more in the last couple months, partly to provide education for others on the therapy process and to (hopefully) bring mental health care concerns to the forefront of our collective consciousness. 

As we step into 2025, let's carry these wishes with us, advocating for a mental health landscape that's inclusive, compassionate, and, dare we say, a little more human.  After all, the future is unwritten, and with a dash of humor and a sprinkle of determination, we can script a narrative that even our future selves would be proud to read. After all, in the immortal words of someone who probably needed therapy, "The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance." (Alan Wilson Watts) So, shall we dance?

This post was inspired by Kat Love and her “State ofTherapy 2024” post.