Lindsay Schoolcraft, the former keyboardist of gothic metal pioneers Cradle of Filth, has launched a scathing critique of All That Remains vocalist Phil Labonte’s controversial stance on mental health and therapy. Schoolcraft’s response directly challenges Labonte’s dismissal of therapeutic treatment. His claim that therapy is ineffective for men forms the core of her objection.
In her statement, Schoolcraft emphasized that Labonte lacks the professional credentials to make such claims about mental health. “He is not a healthcare professional, he’s not a psychologist, he’s not a therapist,” she stated. She acknowledged her own position as a non-professional observer while highlighting the transformative power of therapy. Many of her male friends have experienced significant life improvements through professional mental health treatment.
The core of Schoolcraft’s argument centers on the dangers of discouraging men from seeking help. She characterized Labonte’s position as rooted in toxic masculinity and patriarchal thinking. This thinking has historically prevented men from accessing mental health support. “Discouraging people from going to therapy, especially men — that’s an extremely toxic, masculine view that is ultimately an opinion from the patriarchy that has done a lot of damage to society,” Schoolcraft explained.
Labonte’s original comments sparked immediate backlash across the metal community and social media platforms. The All That Remains frontman had argued that therapy is fundamentally ineffective for men. He suggested instead that men solve their problems through action, purpose, and accomplishment rather than traditional talk therapy. His remarks were framed as commentary on male mental health, though they generated significant controversy for their dismissal of clinical mental health practices.
Schoolcraft drew a powerful analogy to illustrate her point about the necessity of professional help. She compared mental health treatment to physical injury recovery. Just as one would not leave a broken bone untreated, mental health issues require proper professional intervention. “If your brain is broken, you need a doctor. If you broke a bone, you’re not going to leave the bone broken; you’re going to get help. You’re not going to get a Band-Aid. You’re going to get it reset and cast and x-rayed. That’s what therapy is,” she explained. Therapy represents healing for the mind just as medical treatment heals the body.
The controversy reflects broader discussions within the metal community and society at large regarding masculinity and mental health stigma. Schoolcraft expressed particular concern about the impact of Labonte’s messaging on younger men who may already be struggling with mental health issues. She stressed that there should be no shame in seeking professional help. Discouraging such help—particularly among vulnerable populations—perpetuates harmful cultural narratives that have historically contributed to male isolation and suffering.
