Editorial Policy
How Off the Couch approaches psychology, evidence, uncertainty and editorial responsibility.
What we are trying to do
Off the Couch is an independent editorial platform focused on psychology in everyday life. We publish educational material intended to help readers think more clearly about behaviour, relationships, mental health, work, culture and the systems around them.
Our aim is not to make psychology sound more certain than it is. We try to distinguish established evidence, professional interpretation, lived context and unresolved questions so readers can see what is known, what is debated and where caution is appropriate.
Our editorial principles
01
Evidence before certainty
We prefer credible, relevant evidence over confident-sounding claims. Where evidence is mixed, limited or still developing, the wording should reflect that.
02
Context matters
Psychological findings do not automatically apply equally to every person, family, culture or situation. We try to make important limits and context visible.
03
No casual diagnosis
We avoid diagnosing people we have not assessed and avoid reducing complex behaviour to a label simply because a term is popular online.
04
Care with sensitive subjects
Mental health, trauma, abuse, self-harm, family conflict and safeguarding require careful language. Educational value should never depend on sensationalising distress.
05
Separate fact from interpretation
When an article moves from documented evidence into interpretation, synthesis or professional perspective, we aim to make that distinction clear rather than presenting interpretation as settled fact.
06
Correct the record
If a meaningful factual error is identified, we aim to correct it rather than quietly leaving an inaccurate version in place.
Sources and attribution
When a claim depends on research, official information or another person’s work, we aim to identify and link the underlying source where practical. We prefer primary research, recognised professional or public-health guidance, official records and other sources that allow the reader to inspect the basis of a claim.
Secondary reporting can be useful for context, but it should not be used to make a weak claim look stronger than its underlying evidence.
Clinical and educational boundaries
Off the Couch provides educational editorial content. Reading an article does not create a therapist–client relationship and does not replace individual assessment, diagnosis, treatment or emergency care.
Where an article discusses symptoms, conditions or treatment, the purpose is general education. Readers should use appropriately qualified professionals for decisions about their own health or care.
Independence, collaboration and commercial work
Editorial conclusions should not be purchased. If Off the Couch publishes sponsored, commissioned, affiliate or collaborative material, that relationship should be disclosed clearly enough for a reader to understand the connection.
Partners and contributors may bring expertise, experience or access, but they should not silently control evidence-based conclusions presented as independent editorial judgment.
Updating our work
Psychology and mental-health evidence changes. Important articles may be reviewed or updated when better evidence, revised guidance or significant new context becomes available.
For details on how we handle errors, see the Corrections Policy. For more on sourcing and evidence, see How We Research & Source Content.