Can I Say That?
Why Free Speech Matters and How to Use It Fearlessly

By Dr. Chloe Carmichael, PhD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
USA Today Bestselling Author of Nervous Energy

Speak freely—it's good for you!

If you’re like 84% of Americans, you think self-censorship and cancel culture are serious issues. You may feel like you’re not free to speak your mind, or you worry that you’ll be alienated for expressing your opinions. This can lead to self-censorship and feeling like people don't know the authentic, real you.

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About Dr. Chloe

Dr. Chloe Carmichael holds a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Long Island University. She is the author of Nervous Energy: Harness the Power of Your Anxiety (St Martins Press, 2021); the book was endorsed by Deepak Chopra.

Under contract with Skyhorse Publishing (publisher of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and other high-profile voices).

Dr. Phil McGraw

Host of Dr. Phil Primetime and New York Times bestselling author

Dr. Chloe is one of the most trusted voices in emotional wellness and mental strength. I highly recommend Can I Say That?. It has a depth, richness, and clarity that make it both practical and powerful. The book is packed with knowledge and actionable tools that will help you to speak courageously, stay grounded, and build stronger relationships. You’ll want more than one copy—because it’s the kind of book you’ll want to share with the people you care about.

Patrick Bet-David

The Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Your Next Five Moves, founder of Valuetainment

Clarity is everything especially when it comes down to communication. This book can help you in an area that causes chaos for many.

I’m a big proponent of free speech and this book can give you tools to take advantage of your first amendment.

Jack Posobiec

New York Times bestselling author, senior editor of Human Events, and host of Human Events Daily

In a time when psychological manipulation and speech suppression are everywhere, this book offers clarity and courage. Dr. Chloe arms readers with the tools to speak truth and stay grounded.

Dr. Drew Pinsky

Board-certified physician, host of Ask Dr. Drew, and renowned medical broadcaster

Dr. Chloe courageously exposes the capture of psychology and the implications for our patients. There are dangers to patients and caretakers self censoring. There are dangers to limiting speech and Dr. Chloe points out the consequences. Psychologists are fearful of asking the most basic question including simply, "How do you feel?" Freedom to use words, freedom to maintain abject honesty, freedom to express emotions spontaneously are essential to the development of self efficacy and resilience and mental health. Dr. Chloe points out that words are not violence but they are the fundamental instruments of the mental health professional and there must be liberty in their use on behalf of our patients.

Andy Ngo

New York Times bestselling author and editor-at-large of The Post Millennial

Free speech has been examined through countless political lenses- but rarely through the lens of mental health. Can I Say That?, Dr. Carmichael breaks new ground, offering a clinical, yet accessible exploration of free expression as a psychological and emotional issue. With a nonpartisan approach and a grounding in mental health research and experience, this book reframes the debate as not just political- but deeply human.

Dr. Joseph Ladapo

Author of Transcend Fear: A Blueprint for Mindful Leadership in Public Health, Professor, University of Florida College of Medicine and Surgeon General of Florida

Dr. Carmichael is a gifted clinical psychologist and her book, Can I Say That?, will feed your instinctive appetite for both practical, timeless knowledge and the scientific reasoning behind it. This book is as thoughtful as it is enjoyable to read, and it will serve as a priceless resource for individuals yearning to understand the role that free speech plays in our modern society and interpersonal relationships.

Marissa Streit

CEO of PragerU

Can I Say That? is a powerful guide for parents and educators who want to raise the next generation to think critically and speak freely. Dr. Chloe shows how open dialogue is essential not just for mental health—but for truly meaningful education.

Lindy Li

Political commentator and co-host of Her Take

I'm overjoyed to wholeheartedly endorse Dr. Chloe's new book, a groundbreaking guide to free speech's mental health benefits. Her brilliant sights on how open dialogue dissolves anxiety resonate deeply with my battles against political backlash in 2024-- telling the truth has revolutionized my mental health for the better. Dr. Chloe's genius insights for fearless expression are a lifeline for staying true in a world dominated by cancel culture. Her electrifying book is a must-read for anyone seeking clarity and authenticity.

Michele Tafoya

Emmy Award–Winning Broadcaster and Olympic Games Correspondent

Game changer! We talk a lot about free speech, but not enough about how to actually use it. Can I Say That? is the playbook for communication that's smart, strategic, and unshakable.

MUST READ! Few people combine clinical insight, personal warmth, and cultural relevance like Dr. Chloe. Can I Say That? gives readers the tools to express themselves courageously and thoughtfully—skills every communicator needs right now.

Dave Kerpen

New York Times Bestselling Author of Get Over Yourself

Positively Practical! Whether at work, at home, or in the public square, Can I Say That? gives readers real tools for stronger, more thoughtful communication. Dr. Chloe offers a clear, compassionate roadmap for thoughtful and authentic conversations.

Ernie Anastos

New York Emmy Award TV Anchor, WABC Radio Host, National TV Host “Positively America”

Dr. Chloe arms you with the language to cut through noise, own your mind, and speak like your life depends on it—because it does.

Brandon Webb

Former Navy SEAL and New York Times Bestselling Author of Puddle Jumpers

These pages offer more than permission; they offer encouragement to speak freely and listen deeply. Can I Say That? isn’t about winning arguments, it’s about building understanding, resilience, and real connection and for anyone ready to move beyond silence and into conversations that truly matter.

Jim McCann

Founder and Chairman, 1-800-FLOWERS.com

Psychologically Savvy.
From therapy rooms to boardrooms, the fear of saying the wrong thing is real. Dr. Chloe addresses this with nuanced insight and practical tools to support both assertiveness and emotional connection.

Dr. Judith Zackson

Clinical Psychologist, Clinical director and founder of Greenwich Psychology Group

Speak boldly—and don’t flinch when they try to silence you. Can I Say That? is for anyone done tiptoeing through a culture that punishes the truth. Dr. Chloe shows how to speak your mind with confidence, composure, and conviction.

Shemeka Michelle

Political Commentator

Can I Say That? is a courageous, eye-opening guide that dismantles the myth of words as violence, offering practical tools to reclaim free speech with confidence. Dr. Carmichael’s blend of psychological insight and real-world examples makes this a must-read for anyone seeking authentic connection in a divided world.

Daniel G. Amen, MD

Author of Change Your Brain Every Day, 12-Time New York Times Bestselling Author

Speaking the truth in a hostile culture takes discipline, tact, and courage. Free speech isn't just a legal issue, but a cultural one. 'Can I Say That?' helps reinforce your mindset so you can show up strong every time. This book isn’t just about us, it’s about the kind of world we’re shaping for our children.

Zuby

Rapper, Author, Podcast Host, Public Speaker, and Creative Entrepreneur

Times are tough for honest discourse and it's too easy to censor one's self or become demoralized. 'Can I Say That?' is a helpful psychological guide to navigating relationships -- with friends, family, co-workers -- while protecting your own sanity and enlightening others.

Sally Satel MD

Senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute

Free speech and mental health are not often tied together, but Dr. Chloe, an intelligent psychologist, makes a provocative and insightful case that mental health, resilience, and creativity all depend on it! Her work is powerful and inspiring.

Kenny Xu

Author of School of Woke and An Inconvenient Minority

Can I Say That? is a supremely useful book for following your values and speaking up, if and when you choose to. It offers straightforward and practical strategies, whether you are new to speaking up or consider yourself a pro. In a time when ideological pressure is reshaping society, Can I Say That? is a much-needed guide.