#Therapy

A wave of therapists are reporting a striking pattern in their sessions: the oldest children in families tend to surface topics tied to perfectionism, relentless self-criticism, and imposter syndrome more often than their younger siblings. The latest research exploration into birth order suggests these themes may be less about fixed personality traits and more about family dynamics, parental expectations, and cultural context. The lead from a prominent media outlet highlights what therapists are hearing most from oldest siblings, painting a portrait that resonates with many Thai families where elder children often shoulder early responsibilities and model behavior for younger siblings. While the research findings are nuanced and culturally contingent, they raise urgent questions for parents, teachers, and clinicians about how best to support first-borns without feeding a cycle of burnout or self-doubt.

A global shift in mental health care is reshaping how families access support, and Thai households are watching closely. As thousands of professionals pivot to therapy careers, Thai communities seek sustainable, culturally resonant ways to meet growing demand.

In the aftermath of the pandemic, interest in therapy careers has surged. Career counselors in major economies report many professionals leaving traditional roles to pursue training in mental health, driven by rising demand and a shift in attitudes toward meaningful work. Government labor data point to robust growth in counseling and family therapy roles, with projections showing steady expansion into the next decade. In particular, positions for marriage and family therapists are expected to rise well above average growth, signaling a shift in the healthcare landscape that could influence Thai access to mental health services.

The world is witnessing an unprecedented transformation in mental health care as thousands of professionals pivot to therapy careers. This global shift carries profound implications for Thai families seeking quality mental health support in an evolving healthcare landscape.

The Post-Pandemic Career Migration

Following the global pandemic, mental health careers have experienced extraordinary growth. Career counselors across major economies report a dramatic increase in professionals abandoning traditional paths to pursue therapy training. This trend reflects both rising demand for mental health services and changing attitudes toward meaningful work.

A surge of new therapists is reshaping how people seek help for mental health. This trend affects job markets, care access, and everyday conversations in Thailand and abroad.

More people choose therapy careers after the pandemic. The shift reflects higher demand for mental-health services and new work paths. ((WSJ: When Did All of These People Become Therapists?))

U.S. official forecasts show rapid growth in mental-health jobs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong growth for counselors and family therapists. ((BLS: Strong growth projected in mental health-related employment))

In temples and communities across Thailand, many grapple with lingering guilt and self-blame. Some find healing through meditation and social support, while others remain trapped in shame that erodes daily life. New psychological research sheds light on why self-forgiveness comes easily to some and remains elusive for others, offering practical paths for mental health improvement in Thailand.

A landmark study published in Self & Identity examined 80 adults who shared their most painful memories of personal failure. Rather than confirming common wisdom about guilt, the findings reveal four core patterns that separate those who forgive themselves from those who stay stuck in self-criticism. The results hold important lessons for Thailand, which is grappling with rising depression and anxiety after the pandemic and seeking culturally aligned mental health solutions.

Breakthrough research reveals the hidden barriers preventing emotional healing—and offers hope for millions struggling with persistent shame

In temple courtyards across Thailand, countless individuals carry invisible burdens of guilt and self-condemnation. Some find peace through meditation and community support, while others remain trapped in cycles of shame that destroy their wellbeing. Now, groundbreaking psychological research is illuminating exactly why self-forgiveness comes naturally to some people but remains impossibly out of reach for others.

A recent wave of research and personal testimony is reframing hoarding not as mere clutter or eccentric collecting but as a complex mental-health condition often rooted in trauma, with serious safety and social consequences — and new treatments, including virtual reality, are showing promise. Reporting this week that brings together first-person accounts and clinical trials highlights how hoarding disorder (HD) was added to global diagnostic manuals only in the past decade, affects millions, commonly co-occurs with other health problems, and requires a compassionate, long-term approach that balances safety, legal rights and therapeutic care [CNN; WHO; US Senate report]. For Thai readers, the findings point to gaps in recognition and services here at home — but also to practical steps families and local services can take, from harm-reduction to peer-led programs and mental-health referral pathways [CNN; Department of Mental Health, Thailand].

Groundbreaking clinical research and deeply personal accounts from survivors are transforming how mental health professionals understand hoarding disorder, revealing it as a complex trauma response rather than simple disorganization or excessive collecting habits. Leading international studies published this month demonstrate that hoarding disorder, officially recognized in diagnostic manuals only since 2013, affects millions globally while remaining severely underdiagnosed, particularly in Thai communities where cultural values around thrift and saving can mask serious mental health conditions. The latest evidence shows that innovative treatments, including virtual reality therapy and peer-support programs, offer new hope for families struggling with this challenging condition. Most significantly for Thai readers, these findings expose critical gaps in local recognition and treatment services while highlighting practical, culturally-sensitive interventions that families and communities can implement immediately.

Hoarding is increasingly understood as a trauma-informed mental health condition rather than simple clutter. New international findings, coupled with survivor experiences, show that hoarding disorder involves deep emotional bonds to possessions and can cause dangerous living conditions. In Thai communities, cultural values around thrift and saving can delay recognition and treatment, making timely intervention essential. Emerging therapies, including virtual reality-assisted training and peer-support programs, offer new hope for families navigating this challenging condition.

As mental health services globally face unprecedented demand and resource shortages, many individuals are increasingly turning to generative AI chatbots like ChatGPT for emotional support and advice. While the promise of 24/7, non-judgmental responses is appealing to those in distress, new research and expert commentary warn of significant psychological and ethical risks in relying on AI as a substitute for traditional therapy. This latest debate, captured in a thought-provoking commentary published in The Guardian on August 3, 2025, highlights the pressing need for Thai readers to critically evaluate the role of AI in mental healthcare and to consider cultural and societal implications (The Guardian).

A quiet crossroads is emerging in Thailand as millions turn to AI chatbots for support with fears, relationships, and stress. What starts as a convenient option amid scarce services could risk shaping how Thais experience emotion and maintain genuine connections.

Research and expert observations indicate that heavy reliance on algorithmic guidance may erode people’s ability to navigate real-life conflicts. While AI offers round-the-clock availability and non-judgmental responses, professionals warn that this may undermine essential aspects of traditional therapy, such as confronting difficult questions and reading non-verbal cues.

Across Thailand’s bustling cities and remote villages, a quiet revolution unfolds in smartphone screens and computer monitors. Millions turn to artificial intelligence chatbots seeking solace for their deepest fears, relationship troubles, and mental anguish. What begins as a convenient alternative to scarce mental health services, however, may be creating unprecedented psychological risks that experts warn could fundamentally alter how Thais process emotions and maintain authentic human relationships.

Recent international research published in The Guardian reveals alarming patterns among individuals who increasingly rely on AI-generated emotional guidance. Clinical psychologists document cases where patients become so dependent on algorithmically crafted responses that they lose the ability to navigate genuine interpersonal conflicts. The phenomenon represents more than technological convenience—it signals a profound shift in how societies approach emotional well-being during times of crisis.

A wave of new research is challenging conventional wisdom about what truly helps people in therapy, revealing that the value clients find in psychotherapy extends well beyond the mere reduction of symptoms. A study highlighted by Mad in America in July 2025 has found that clients consistently report the most meaningful benefits as personal growth, self-understanding, and improved connections with others—shifting the focus away from traditional clinical outcome measures that primarily track symptom relief. This new perspective could have profound implications for how therapy is understood, evaluated, and practiced, both in Thailand and globally (MadinAmerica.com, 2025).

Therapy is shifting from a symptom-focused service to a broader journey of personal growth. Recent findings highlighted by a health journalism site show that clients prize self-understanding, stronger connections, and personal empowerment as the most meaningful benefits of psychotherapy. For Thai readers, this reframing highlights well-being beyond just symptom relief and aligns with everyday life in Thailand and beyond.

Traditionally, therapy effectiveness has been judged by symptom scales tracking anxiety, depression, or trauma. New qualitative research and client narratives reveal a more nuanced picture. Many people describe lasting gains in self-confidence, healthier relationships, and deeper insights as core outcomes of their therapeutic journeys.

An emerging consensus among therapists highlights four cognitive patterns that trap people in anxiety and offers practical steps to regain control. Drawing on cognitive behavioral therapy, schema therapy, and attachment theory, experts describe how these patterns unfold and how to move forward. Anxiety disorders affect many people globally, and Thai conversations about mental health have grown stronger in the wake of the pandemic.

In Thailand, discussions on emotional resilience, family responsibility, and social harmony have intensified. Understanding anxiety helps validate personal experiences and strengthens public dialogue on self-care and community support, a focus championed by Thailand’s health authorities and local NGOs. Key patterns involve feeling unsafe, losing control, self-blame, and distrust of others. A senior psychiatrist notes that generalized anxiety often features repetitive worries about safety and control, while social anxiety centers on self-worth and judgment. These ideas align with CBT’s view that thoughts, feelings, and actions form a cycle in which thinking traps feed anxiety.

A growing body of psychological research and therapist insights is bringing new clarity to how anxiety takes hold and, crucially, how people can break free. A recent report on HuffPost summarizes expert commentary from professionals drawing on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), schema therapy, and attachment theory to identify recurring patterns in the anxious mind. With nearly one in five Americans experiencing anxiety disorders—a statistic mirrored globally and relevant to Thailand’s rising mental health awareness—researchers and clinicians are now describing four primary ways people become “stuck” in anxiety, and practical strategies to regain a sense of control and well-being.

The way therapists talk about suicide is changing, both in Western settings and here in Thailand, as new research and practical approaches inform life-saving interventions. For Thai readers, understanding how global and local initiatives blend clinical evidence, compassionate dialogue, and innovative use of digital platforms can be crucial tools in tackling a topic that remains both urgent and stigmatized. Against a backdrop of rising suicide rates in Thailand and a new wave of research on effective therapy worldwide, this report breaks down the latest developments from both leading international sources and local practices, providing context, key facts, and actionable recommendations for Thai individuals, families, and mental health professionals.

A shift in how therapists discuss suicide is underway worldwide, and Thailand is leading with culturally tailored, tech-enabled responses. This revision highlights how international evidence-based therapies mingle with local practices to support families and individuals facing suicidal thoughts. The aim is to provide Thai readers with clear, practical insights grounded in credible institutions and local context.

Suicidal ideation affects millions and strongly predicts suicide attempts, but risk varies with factors such as age, mental health, and life stressors. In Thailand, mortality data show notable increases in suicide-related deaths from 2017 to 2022, with teenagers aged 15-19 recording a high rate of attempts in 2023. These figures matter beyond statistics: families and communities confront the pain and disruption caused by such crises. Global research identifies depression, mood disorders, substance use, trauma, and acute stress as risk factors. Yet many people recover with timely support, underscoring the central role of early intervention and open conversations.

A growing movement is reshaping the field of psychology as experts call for the integration of spirituality into mainstream psychological science and practice, according to a recent report in Psychology Today. The article highlights that psychological research and therapeutic approaches have long neglected spiritual dimensions, but a new wave of studies and practitioner perspectives are advocating for a more holistic approach that acknowledges the spiritual lives of individuals.

In Thailand, a nation where Buddhism deeply influences culture, family, and even national holidays, this potential shift is especially significant. Many Thais engage in regular religious ceremonies, meditation, and practices such as merit-making to address life’s stresses. Yet, mainstream Thai psychological services, often modeled on Western paradigms, typically focus on cognitive, behavioral, and medical interventions, reserved about directly engaging with spiritual matters beyond cultural context.

A shift is underway in psychology as experts push for spirituality to be part of mainstream science and practice. A recent feature notes that traditional research and therapy have often sidelined spiritual dimensions, while a new wave of studies and practitioner voices advocates for a more holistic approach that acknowledges people’s spiritual lives.

In Thailand, where Buddhism shapes daily life, culture, and national celebrations, this shift could be particularly meaningful. Many Thais participate in regular religious activities, meditation, and merit-making to cope with stress. Yet, Thai mental health services commonly follow Western models that emphasize cognitive, behavioral, and medical interventions, with limited direct engagement with spiritual matters beyond cultural context.

Therapists have identified a pervasive challenge particularly troubling for eldest daughters: an overwhelming sense of over-responsibility, which significantly affects their happiness and well-being. Drawing on both recent research and extensive professional experience, mental health experts now describe “eldest daughter syndrome”—a set of expectations and pressures uniquely experienced by firstborn girls—as a major factor in their long-term mental health outcomes. The concept strikes a chord with many, resonating powerfully within Thai families, where cultural traditions often reinforce the burdens shouldered by eldest children.

Therapists warn of a quiet but widespread challenge for firstborn girls: an overwhelming sense of over-responsibility that erodes happiness and well-being. Known in some circles as “eldest daughter syndrome,” this collection of expectations uniquely affects firstborns and shapes long-term mental health. The idea resonates in Thai families, where traditions often place heavy duties on the eldest child.

In Thai society, family structure and filial duty are deeply valued. Eldest daughters often serve as the emotional backbone of the household. They are expected to care for younger siblings, coordinate family activities, and handle numerous unseen tasks that keep daily life running smoothly. When these roles start early, they can foster perfectionism, self-criticism, and burnout over time.

A wave of new research offers hope for people in Thailand and around the world who live with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Targeted cognitive training may reduce negative self-perceptions, a core symptom of these conditions, potentially improving mental health outcomes and quality of life.

In Thailand, the study’s relevance is clear. Cultural values around face, self-respect, and resilience shape how people experience mental illness. Negative self-beliefs can worsen symptoms, hinder daily functioning, strain families, and limit social and career opportunities—issues that matter deeply in a Thai context that emphasizes harmony and personal presentation.

A new wave of research offers hope for individuals in Thailand and worldwide battling depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as cognitive training techniques show promise in reducing negative self-perceptions—a hallmark symptom of these mental health conditions. According to a recent report by PsyPost, targeted cognitive training interventions could reshape the way people with depression and PTSD view themselves, potentially supporting better mental health outcomes and overall quality of life.

For Thai readers, this research is particularly significant given the culture’s deep-rooted values around face, self-respect, and the importance placed on emotional resilience. Negative self-perceptions not only exacerbate mental health conditions but can also impede daily functioning, strain family relationships, and limit social and career opportunities—issues especially salient in the Thai context, where societal harmony and personal presentation are emphasized.