Tag: Superhero Therapy

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

Superhero Therapy Podcast Ep. 1: Psychology of Harry Potter

​ST Podcast Ep. 1: Harry Potter Therapy

In this first episode of Superhero Therapy, Dr. Janina Scarlet & Dustin McGinnis talk about the psychological meanings depicted in Harry Potter’s life. Did he suffer from PTSD? What do the boggarts represent? What are the pros and cons of house placement? They’ll discuss all of these questions and more.

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The Guide to Battling Inner Dragons for the Modern Geek

Some people get up and go to work. Other people have to fight a dragon to get there. Or a series of dragons. Not real dragons, of course. Metaphoric ones – the dragons of despairing depression and agonizing anxiety, the dragons that burn us with shame about our supposed “not-good-enoughness” at the pit of our stomach. Those dragons.

Continue reading The Guide to Battling Inner Dragons for the Modern Geek

Wonder Woman Psychology

Last night I saw “Wonder Woman” in the movie theatre. I already had high expectations of it from all the hype and the movie surpassed all of them. Here is why:

Warning: some spoilers to follow

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Superhero Therapy book signing

Last week I was able to attend the Book Expo and Book Con in New York City. I was asked to give a talk at Book Expo and did a book signing at Book Con. It went better than I ever imagined. The book signing was only supposed to last an hour but people kept lining up, with the line weaving around several rows. It ended up lasting over an hour and a half. I wanted to stay as long as possible to sign everyone’s book and give everyone hugs who wanted them. It was such a moving experience, which left me in happy tears. Thank you so much for all your support, my heroes!

Continue reading Superhero Therapy book signing