Many of us like talking about pop culture, whether it’s comics, TV shows, movies, books, or video games. For those of us in the mental health field (and for many outside of this field), it may be fun to occasionally speculate about a fictional character’s psychological perspective. Perspective taking can actually help foster empathy building and compassion toward others. However, diagnosing characters or people whom therapists have not evaluated in a session can be risky. Continue reading Mental Health Representation Matters
Tag: Mental health
Overcoming the pain of disconnection
Two weeks ago my best friend of 17 years permanently removed me and over 70 other people from their life. There was no warning. There were neither signs nor conflicts leading up to this. There wasn’t an opportunity for a discussion, an agreement, or closure.
Sometimes loss has no rational explanation. Sometimes an end of a friendship, relationship, job or career, can feel like a part of us died. Jim Butcher, the author of the best-selling Dresden Files, describes a scenario in which his main protagonist, Harry Dresden, a wizard/private investigator discusses heartbreak as if someone’s soul is being ripped apart with a barbed wire on the inside. Continue reading Overcoming the pain of disconnection
Superhero Therapy Podcast Ep. 17: Psychology of Lord of The Rings
ST Podcast Ep. 17: Lord of the Rings
J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic tale, Lord of The Rings is a timeless masterpiece. The story is rich with psychological metaphor and cleverly examines the enduring strength of the human spirit. Join Dr. Scarlet, Dustin, and special guest, Dr. Michael Mallen as they unravel the psychologies within Lord of The Rings.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Superhero Therapy Podcast Ep. 16: Psychology of Brooklyn 99
ST Podcast Ep. 16: Brooklyn 99
Brooklyn 99 is a progressive T.V. show that humbly celebrates diversity and inclusion. Join Dustin and Dr. Scarlet as they explore the Psychology of this glorious show and the importance of social acceptance.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Defining Your Origin Story
When Bruce Wayne’s parents are murdered in a dark alley, his life is forever changed by this tragedy. Bruce spends many years of his life and many of his resources to become Batman, the hero of Gotham City, to ensure that no one suffers the same fate he does. Similarly, when T’Challa witnesses the death of his father in Vienna, he elects to fight for his right to become the Black Panther, in order to protect the people of Wakanda from travesty and invasion.
Although these stories are fictional, they demonstrate how we may be able to use our origin stories to develop a narrative to become our version of a Superhero in real life (IRL).
Superhero Therapy Podcast Ep. 15: Psychology of Cult TV Panel from SDCC 2018
ST Podcast Ep. 16: Psychology of Cult TV Panel SDCC 2018
Special Episode of the Superhero Therapy Podcast. Our audio coverage of Dr. Scarlet’s Psychology of Cult TV pane from SDCC 2018.
Description:
A team of actors, TV writers, and psychologists discuss the psychology of your favorite TV shows, such as Supernatural, Star Wars Rebels, The Punisher, Jessica Jones, Doctor Who,and many others. Psychologists Dr. Janina Scarlet (Superhero Therapy, Harry Potter Therapy, Dark Agents) and Dr. Travis Langley (Batman: A Dark & Stormy Knight, Supernatural Psychology), actors Ruth Connell (Supernatural) and Rachel Miner (Supernatural), TV writers Christine Boylan (The Punisher, Once Upon a Time, Cloak & Dagger), Greg Weisman (Gargoyles, Young Justice), and Deric Hughes (Arrow, Flash, Beauty and the Beast) discuss your favorite TV shows. Dr. Billy San Juan (Doctor Who Psychology, California Screamin’) moderates.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Becoming Incredible in the Face of Evil
The world in which children are ripped apart from their parents for running away from war and torture, a world in which the US pulls out of the UN Human Rights Council, a world in which children are being put into concentration camps and workers aren’t allowed to comfort them needs Superheroes now more than ever.
Superhero Therapy Podcast Ep.14: Psychology of Supernatural
ST Podcast Ep. 14: Supernatural
Along with discussing the psychology of the CW series SUPERNATURAL, Dr. Scarlet and Dustin talk with Rachel Miner (Meg Masters) about her experience on the show.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
How Harry Potter Fandom Changed My Life
The accident happened 15 years ago. I injured my knee during a rehearsal for a dance competition and after months of physical therapy my doctor told me that I would never run or dance again.
Superhero Therapy Podcast Ep. 13: Psychology of Westworld
ST Podcast Ep. 13: Westworld
Can artificial intelligence feel emotion? What place would sentient life have in humanity? Join Dr. Scarlet and Dustin as they discuss the appeal of lawless behavior and violent delight in the psychology of Westworld.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download