From Andrew Tate to Wizard Liz, Sadia Psychology, and Jay Shetty, self-help and spiritual influencers are everywhere. They promise empowerment, success, and transformation. But behind the polished branding, many are unhealed themselves — projecting their pain, selling quick fixes, and keeping vulnerable followers dependent.

For some, following these figures feels motivating. But for many of my clients, the outcome has been the same: confusion, obsession, financial strain, and feeling stuck.

When the “Teacher” Is Still Unhealed

Many influencers carry the same wounds they claim to help others heal. Instead of working through them with humility, they build platforms that spread their struggles to millions.

• Projection of wounds. Coaches stuck in unhealthy love cycles frame them as “twin flames” or “divine lessons.”
• Unresolved trauma. Polarity coaches push rigid gender roles — often reflecting their own relational pain, not research.
• Performing wellness. Wizard Liz, Sadia Psychology, and Jay Shetty all faced scandals or accusations that revealed contradictions between their curated image and real life.
• Overcompensation. Andrew Tate markets hyper-masculinity and dominance, but critics argue it stems from insecurity and fear.

The danger? Charisma gets mistaken for healing. Followers confuse confidence, quotes, or luxury branding with wisdom — and end up internalizing the influencer’s unhealed patterns.

Controversial Figures & What They Show Us

• Andrew Tate. Promotes wealth and dominance through Hustlers University, criticized as exploitative. Facing serious legal charges, including human trafficking allegations.
• Wizard Liz. Manifestation and femininity influencer who faced backlash after personal scandals contradicted her message. Many followers described feeling betrayed.
• Sadia Psychology. Relationship coach accused of inflating credentials and charging high fees, raising concerns about blurred lines between therapy and coaching.
• Jay Shetty. Hugely popular author/podcaster, but criticized for plagiarism and misrepresenting his monk background. His coaching certifications have been accused of prioritizing marketing over substance.

These aren’t isolated cases — they illustrate how the self-help industry profits off pain, offering promises without accountability.

Red Flags Checklist: Spotting Exploitation

If you’re considering working with a coach or influencer, watch for these signs:

• Overpromises. “Manifest your soulmate in 30 days.” “Double your income instantly.”
• Vague or inflated credentials. Using terms like “psychologist” or “healer” without licensure.
• High fees with little clarity. Thousands of dollars, upsells, or hidden costs.
• Blame shifting. If you don’t succeed, you’re told it’s your fault for “not aligning enough.”
• Discouraging therapy or medical care. Suggesting professional support is “less spiritual.”
• Contradictions and scandals. Preaching one thing while living another.
• Cult-like culture. Us-vs-them language, isolating followers, shaming questions.
• Targeting the vulnerable. Marketing primarily to people in heartbreak, instability, or trauma.

Green Flags: What Healthy Guidance Looks Like

Not all mentors or guides are harmful. Look for:

• Transparency. Clear about credentials, training, and fees.
• Encourages therapy/medical care. Respects evidence-based support.
• Accountability. Admits mistakes and lives consistently with their message.
• Evidence-based tools. Uses psychology, research, or faith-based practices — not just “divine secrets.”
• Empowerment over dependency. Helps you build self-trust instead of keeping you reliant on them.
• Humility. Acknowledges they don’t have all the answers.

Closing Thought

From Andrew Tate’s empire to spiritual influencers like Wizard Liz, Sadia Psychology, and Jay Shetty, the lesson is clear: many self-help figures are unhealed themselves, and their success depends on keeping you stuck.

Your healing deserves more than someone else’s unresolved pain repackaged as advice. Look for green flags — transparency, humility, accountability, and evidence-based tools — and protect yourself from industries that profit off pain.

At Crescent Counseling & Coaching, I help clients cut through the noise of influencers and find grounded, lasting growth through therapy, mindfulness, and solution-focused strategies.

_____

References

• Freeman, D. (2007). Suspicious minds: The psychology of persecutory delusions. Clinical Psychology Review, 27(4), 425–457.
• Goyal, M., et al. (2014). Meditation programs for psychological stress and well-being: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Internal Medicine, 174(3), 357–368.
• Keng, S. L., Smoski, M. J., & Robins, C. J. (2011). Effects of mindfulness on psychological health: A review of empirical studies. Clinical Psychology Review, 31(6), 1041–1056.
• Koenig, H. G. (2012). Religion, spirituality, and health: The research and clinical implications. ISRN Psychiatry, 2012, 278730.
• Tod, D., Hardy, J., & Oliver, E. (2011). Effects of self-talk: A systematic review. Sport Psychologist, 25(1), 36–51.