Are you a fan of Lord of the Rings? The Marvel Universe? Dungeons and Dragons? Star Wars?
Let’s say, we are working on noticing the part of you that takes over when you’re really angry. Maybe we’ve found that your face starts to feel really hot when that part shows up in your body. Or that you start to grit your teeth. Now, we might start to give that part a face, a purpose, a “job description”. Would it be Darth Vader? Anger from Inside Out? Maybe a Lich in Dungeons and Dragons?
Whatever your interests or fandoms are, there is a way to bring them into therapy as a powerful tool. The above example shows what we might do if we were using parts work, yet there are other approaches we can use geek therapy with!
Geek therapy (or nerd therapy) is a mental health approach that integrates elements of geek culture into the therapeutic process. This method is particularly effective for individuals who have a strong affinity for video games, anime, comics, and other traditionally “nerdy” interests. Here are some key aspects of geek therapy:
- Building Rapport: Therapists use geek culture artifacts to build rapport with clients. This can include discussing favorite video games, movies, or characters, which helps create a comfortable and relatable environment¹.
- Affinity and Resonance: The therapy starts with identifying the client’s interests (affinity) and then making connections between those interests and real-world issues (resonance). For example, a discussion about a favorite superhero might lead to insights about the client’s own strengths and challenges¹.
- Creative Access Points: Similar to art or play therapy, geek therapy uses creative access points to explore emotions and behaviors. This can involve role-playing games like Dungeons and Dragons, where clients can explore different aspects of their personality in a safe and imaginative setting¹².
- Validation and Acceptance: Therapists take the client’s interests seriously and validate them, which helps clients feel understood and accepted. This validation can be crucial for individuals who may feel marginalized or misunderstood in other areas of their life¹.
- Therapeutic Techniques: Geek therapists might use various techniques, such as narrative therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), or other modalities, all while incorporating elements of geek culture. This approach can help reduce anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues by leveraging the client’s passions and interests²³.
Geek therapy is a versatile and engaging way to connect with clients, especially those who might not respond as well to traditional therapeutic methods. It celebrates imagination and creativity, making it a perfect fit for those who enjoy exploring fantastical and whimsical elements in their lives.
Does this sound like something that resonates with you? If so, feel free to reach out for a consultation!
Source: Conversation with Copilot, 9/25/2024
(1) What is geek therapy? What are its benefits? – Thriveworks Counseling. https://thriveworks.com/blog/geek-therapy/.
(2) Geek Therapy for Professionals – Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/geek-therapy-professionals/202008/geek-therapy-professionals.
(3) What is Geek Therapy? – Authentic Alliance. https://www.authentic-alliance.com/geek-therapy.
(4) Like Magic: The Use of Fantasy and Geek Culture in Therapy. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/beyond-mental-health/202312/like-magic-the-use-of-fantasy-and-geek-culture-in-therapy.
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