Seattle is brimming with “new money”. I think the article is describing a sort of quasi intellectualism that is common in circles of people who are more educated than some, and paid more than most.
I don't think money has much to do with it. My kids' social circle covers a wide socioeconomic range and this heavy use of psychology is pervasive across it.
Every sentence of this article resonated very strongly with me and accurately describes much of the culture surrounding me and my family.