
Tony Robbins – Unhelpful “Self-Help”
A well-known self-help guru and motivational speaker, Tony Robbins has been criticized for promoting controversial practices. These practices have been deemed to be pseudoscientific and harmful. A main criticism against Robbins is promoting the idea of “positive thinking” as a solution to mental illness, such as depression and anxiety. While positive thinking can be helpful, mental health experts argue that it is not a cure-all and will be harmful if it leads people to ignore their negative emotions.
Robbins has also been criticized for promoting the use of unconventional therapies, such as neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) and “firewalking.” NLP is a type of therapy that claims to be able to reprogram the brain through language and behavior patterns. There is little scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of NLP. Mental health experts have raised concerns that it could be harmful if used as a replacement for behavioral therapies. Firewalking is another controversial practice promoted by Robbins. Participants walk barefoot across hot coals as a way of overcoming their fears and limiting beliefs. While Robbins claims that firewalking is safe and effective, some medical experts have warned that it can cause serious burns. In fact, several people have been hospitalized after participating in Robbins’ firewalking events.