Beyond Quick Fixes: Why Human Complexity Deserves More Than Viral Advice

If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling through TikTok or Instagram and thinking, “That actually makes sense…” you’re not alone.

Advice is everywhere these days. Quick tips, catchy phrases, viral affirmations. A lot of it sounds good. Some of it is good. But the reality is: life is more complicated than a single quote, and human relationships don’t fit neatly into 30-second soundbites.

In a world that moves fast and demands clarity, these snippets give us something to hold onto. A clean answer. A sense of control. They feel empowering—especially when we’re hurt, overwhelmed, or desperate for change.

But when you’re working as a therapist—or walking through something difficult yourself—you quickly realise: healing is not a script. It’s a process.

Why This Kind of Advice Resonates

Karen Murphy, founder of the Institute of Couples Therapy, recently contributed her thoughts to an Irish Independent article exploring one such viral trend: the “Let Them” theory. The piece sparked national conversation—and Karen’s perspective offered a thoughtful reminder of what gets missed in the noise.

“All the examples and experiences are drawn from Mel’s own life, yet she presents them in a way that feels universal and relatable to everyone. And this does not account for personality differences, cultural differences or neurodiversity.”

“The book doesn’t recognise that for a lot of people who are struggling with anxiety or depression, this approach can sound very simplistic and does not at all recognise that you can’t overcome most stress through a simple technique.”
— Karen Murphy, speaking to the Irish Independent

You can read the full article here: Everyone’s talking about: The ‘Let Them’ Theory – can it really change your life for the better?

The Risk: When Advice Skips the Relational Bit

Many of these trends tell us to detach. Step back. Protect our peace. And sometimes, that is the right move.

But what’s missing in so many of these conversations is the relational lens. We are wired for connection. We come into the world needing to be seen, heard, mirrored, understood. And when relationships feel hard or painful, the answer isn’t always to walk away.

Sometimes the answer is: stay curious. Speak honestly. Understand what’s happening beneath the behaviour. These are not quick fixes. They’re not easy. But they’re real.

At ICT, we work with therapists who are learning to hold all of this. Not just what to say, but how to be in the room—especially when things get stormy.

Therapy Is Not a Soundbite

The therapist’s role is not to hand out ready-made advice. It’s to create a space where people can slow down, explore their patterns, and get curious about their emotional life.

We believe:

• People deserve to feel safe, not judged.
• Complex dynamics need nuanced understanding.
• One-size-fits-all solutions are rarely helpful—and often harmful.

The work we do in couples therapy (and all therapy) is deeply relational. It’s grounded in presence, attunement, trauma-awareness, cultural sensitivity, and ethical care. That takes more than a mantra.

What We Believe at ICT

We’re not against social media advice. Sometimes a line lands in the right way and sparks real reflection. But we are for depth. For rigour. For integrity.

Because you—and the people you work with—deserve more than quick fixes.

Want to deepen your own work as a therapist? Our CPD Hub is filled with webinars and trainings that explore the full complexity of this work, without oversimplifying what it means to be human.