The Power of Curating the Feed: helping clients outsmart harmful content

Social media can be a real pain—especially when our clients are endlessly perusing content that reinforces the very stories we’re trying to help them soften. Whether it’s “the perfect jawline,” “the perfect way to eat,” or yet another formula promising a “better” body, these messages can be incredibly harmful, therapy-interrupting, and hard for clients to stop consuming.

And as much as we’d love to say, “Just stop looking at this content—it’s hurting you,” we know that’s not how humans (or algorithms) work. Devices, internet culture, and social platforms are woven into how people relate, socialize, and connect. For many clients—especially younger ones—this can be their primary social world.

Removing the device isn’t always realistic. Cutting off content may not be emotionally or socially accessible. And for families, setting parental controls or strict rules isn’t always feasible.

So… what do we do?

One of my favourite strategies with clients of all ages is a simple but powerful one: change the algorithm.

This can be used on its own or alongside other boundaries around content consumption. And the best part? It works with how social media already operates, instead of trying to fight against it.

Here’s what I do:

In session, I invite the client to brainstorm topics they genuinely enjoy—gardening, animals, funny dances, home reno videos, cooking, book reviews, you name it. Anything that feels like a spark and is safe.

Then we intentionally start engaging with that content:

• Clicking

• Watching fully

• Liking

• Following

• Saving

The algorithm responds quickly. The more the person interacts with these new topics, the more similar content will show up on their feed. Over time, this naturally pushes harmful or triggering content further down.

Does it completely erase the problematic posts? Not always. But it does dilute them and gives clients something nourishing (or at least neutral) to consume instead.

For some clients, this small shift can help reduce comparison, decrease exposure to triggering cues, and even offer moments of joy, creativity, or humour—without asking them to disconnect from their social world.

It’s a gentle, collaborative way to help clients reshape the digital space they live in.

If you try this with your clients, I’d love to hear the creative interests you discover together. These conversations often open the door to deeper connection, too.