Unfiltered Minds: The TikTok Therapy

Overview: This project is part of the podcast Unfiltered Minds, which explores how digital media influences mental health, culture, and identity. This episode explores TikTok’s thriving world of “mental health influencers” and the influence of their advice on vulnerable audiences.

The Focus: The episode compares two creators with contrasting approaches:

@mynavatar — a self-taught heartbreak coach offering blunt, transactional advice.

@matthiasjbarker — a licensed psychotherapist providing evidence-based, nuanced guidance.

The Discussion: The project analysed their content, tone, and audience reception to uncover how platforms like TikTok blur the lines between influence and instruction. Topics ranged from heartbreak and infidelity to depression and boundaries, showing how advice can empower — or mislead — depending on context.

The Risks & Opportunities: The conversation highlighted both sides of this trend: on one hand, TikTok therapy provides accessible support to those without traditional resources; on the other, it creates risks when audiences make decisions based on advice not tailored to them.

Key Takeaway: The project framed TikTok mental health content as a cultural phenomenon: validating, viral, and deeply personal — but often lacking accountability. It emphasised the need for critical consumption, reminding listeners that while content can start conversations, it cannot replace professional care.