That expression, “depression hurts,” doesn’t quite do it justice.
It doesn’t hurt.
Author: Janina Scarlet
Dr. Janina Scarlet, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, a professor, and a (mad?) scientist. For more information, see the "Meet The Doctor" page
Why Women Get Excluded in Online Gaming
Ever heard the expression “sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me”? Chances are that there is at least one name that someone called you, at least one rejection that you faced that stayed with you for years. You might have stayed up at night wondering what you could have done differently, wondering how you will be able to recover from the devastating emotional pain you are feeling.
Superhero Therapy Podcast Ep. 6: Dr. Who Psychology
ST Podcast Ep. 6: Dr. Who
Doctor Who began in November of 1963. After 54 years and 13 regenerations, the doctor has regenerated into a woman. Join Dustin McGinnis and Dr. Janina Scarlet, as well as special guests, Alan Kistler and Josué Cardona in discussing the psychology behind the Doctor’s compassion, emotional connection and losses, as well as the importance of diversity and representation. They’ll also dive into the psychology of the most terrifying monsters of the show.
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2018 – The Year of Hope
The past two years have been extremely challenging for many people. Year 2016 can be categorized as the Year of Death – we saw more celebrity deaths than we normally do, having lost such inspirational people as David Bowie, Prince, Alan Rickman, Carrie Fisher, and many others.
Then 2017 happened. We saw drastic political changes and political unrest. We saw violence and the uprising and vocalization of white supremacy and a rapid increase in hate crimes and hate expression.
But we also saw love. And we saw hope. And justice.
Therapy Quest
Did you ever feel like you don’t belong? Like you are somehow different from the people around you? Did you ever wish you could escape to Hogwarts and find connection like Harry Potter did? I did.
I spent most of my life feeling like an outsider and wanting so badly to belong. Not fit in. But to truly belong. To be a part of something that was bigger than myself. Loneliness has been my biggest tormentor and my closest friend. I remember trying to explain to my family that I was feeling lonely even when I was around my friends. I remember feeling more connected to the characters in the fantasy books I was reading than to the kids around me on the playground. Continue reading Therapy Quest
Superhero Therapy Podcast Ep. 5: Psychology of Star Wars
ST Podcast Ep. 5: Star Wars
Dr. Scarlet and Dustin are joined by Phillip Anthony Rodriguez (Fifth Brother – Star Wars Rebels) to discuss psychology and Star Wars. Topics include character journeys, what makes good or evil, the concept of hope and much more.
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Superhero Therapy Podcast Ep. 4: Psychology of Stranger Things
ST Podcast Ep. 4: Stranger Things
Even though Stranger Things takes place in the 1980s, the success of the series is due to its broad appeal. In this episode, we take a closer look at how the lives and relationships of the characters relate to real life. Find out how Dr. Scarlet connects with Eleven and her struggles. We’ll discuss what might be happening to Will as he deals with flashbacks and episodes (PTSD? The Anniversary Effect?). We’ll take a close look at the relationship Max has with her step brother, Hopper has with Eleven and Eleven has with Dr. Brenner. How could she remain attached to a man who tortured her? Is it Stockholm Syndrome? We’ll also attempt to figure out what psychological representations could be found in The Upside Down. Finally, we’ll talk about what the series shows us about being a friend and a hero.
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Superhero Therapy Podcast Ep. 3: Psychology of Game of Thrones
St Podcast Ep. 3: Game of Thrones
It might be exhilarating or shocking to get into the minds of the heroes and villains of Game of Thrones, but that’s what Dr. Scarlet does in today’s episode. Join her and Dustin as they discuss Brienne, Ramsay, Tyrion and more.
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Superhero Therapy Podcast Ep. 2: Psychology of Jessica Jones & The Killgrave Effect
ST Podcast Ep. 2: Jessica Jones and the Killgrave Effect
The psychology of Jessica Jones is heavily rooted in the trauma caused by The Purple Man (Zebadiah Killgrave). In this episode, Dr. Scarlet explains how The Killgrave Effect’s impact on sexual assault is very real in today’s world. In fact, a perfect example is present in one of today’s most talked about news stories. Find out what it all means and how victims and their friends can become heroes.
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The Kilgrave Effect: Why people don’t report their rapists
*Parts of this post previously appeared on the Legion of Leia
Jessica Jones, a popular Marvel superhero is known not only for her physical strength but also for her psychological resilience. Years after she gains her superpowers, Jessica is psychologically manipulated by an evil villain, Kilgrave (A.K.A. Purple Man). Kilgrave uses his influence over Jessica to force her into a sexual relationship with him, as well as to force her to do things she normally would not do. Continue reading The Kilgrave Effect: Why people don’t report their rapists