Pop Culture + Therapy

In addition to various theoretical approaches, I believe that art and pop culture highlight themes that people resonate with in therapy and welcome the opportunity to integrate some of these unifying themes in our work together if that is something you possibly connect with.

Pop Culture and Therapy

In addition to various theoretical approaches, I believe that art and pop culture highlight themes that people resonate with in therapy and welcome the opportunity to integrate some of these unifying themes in our work together if that is something you possibly connect with.

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Featured Articles and Interviews

**Popular Science: “Feeling sad when your favorite show ends? It might be post-series depression.”**

The concept of PSD gained traction on social media and in fan blogs in the mid-2010s. “It makes sense as a non-clinical way to describe a contemporary psychological phenomenon, which we’ve probably seen more during the Golden Age of TV,” says Chicago-based psychologist Brian Kong, citing Game of Thrones as a show with huge cultural influence.

Lifehacker: “How to Use Cartoons as a Healthy Escape” A 2018 study in “media marathoning” (or binge-watching, in layman’s terms) confirms what many of us already know, that those “struggling with depression or anxiety were able to learn more about … — **Lifehacker: “How to Use Cartoons as a Healthy Escape”**

A 2018 study in “media marathoning” (or binge-watching, in layman’s terms) confirms what many of us already know, that those “struggling with depression or anxiety were able to learn more about human relationships through media and to use media engagement experiences as springboards for communication.” Watching a fictional character go through something similar to you provides an outside perspective; and, for me, cartoons in particular foster catharsis in a nonthreatening and relatable way…

Huffington Post: “This Is Why You Grieve The Ending Of Your Favorite TV Show” Mental health experts explain the sense of loss many fans feel. When a beloved TV series comes to a finish, it’s common to hear fans say they’re “grieving” the ending of … — **Huffington Post: “This Is Why You Grieve The Ending Of Your Favorite TV Show”**

Mental health experts explain the sense of loss many fans feel. When a beloved TV series comes to a finish, it’s common to hear fans say they’re “grieving” the ending of a story they’ve watched and kept up with, sometimes for years. But what is the reasoning behind these intense, and often immediate, emotions…

MTV News: “Here’s Why You’re Fascinated By The Joker, Negan, And Other Villains” An expert psychoanalysis of this year’s best villain nominations at the MTV Movies & TV Awards. The concept of a "good villain" is inherently paradoxical. After a… — **MTV News: “Here’s Why You’re Fascinated By The Joker, Negan, And Other Villains”**

An expert psychoanalysis of this year’s best villain nominations at the MTV Movies & TV Awards.
The concept of a "good villain" is inherently paradoxical. After all, a villain is a natural foil for the hero, a diabolical antagonist who operates in complete contrast to the good and moral protagonist. But there's something to be said for a captivating villain who can cast a shadow over an entire room.

Relationships and Break-Ups

A comedic look at how exercise can be used as a way to cope with a break-up.

*Using an anecdote taken from comedian, Brian Regan, to discuss relational habits*

A skit that illustrates common differences between partners when dealing with relationship issues.

Why withdrawing within relationship conflicts doesn't work, as illustrated by television show, Freaks and Geeks — *Why withdrawing within relationship conflicts doesn't work, as illustrated by television show,* Freaks and Geeks

A short film depicting how the avoidance and denial of one's pain can ultimately hinder one's recovery from a break-up.

A short film about the places, sounds and smells that remind you of someone you'd rather forget. It's the story of a guy who struggles to avoid these emotional landmines, and his journey to clear his head.

***Not all therapy is a force for good. I give you exhibit A: the actor Jonah Hill***

Guests of the Blocks podcast with Neal Brennan discuss sex addiction, and their respective paths to recovery.

Guests of the Blocks podcast with Neal Brennan discuss how their anxiety manifests.

Grief

A short film about Steve Fugate, a man dealing with the loss of his son by walking across the country.

A scene from Six Feet Under about expressing one's grief honestly.

Scott Aukerman, host of Comedy Bang Bang, discusses his conflicted feelings in mourning the loss of writer/comedian Harris Wittels.

*Musician, Andrew WK addresses a written inquiry about how to cope with the death of a friend*

A short film capturing the pain of losing a pet.

*Comedian, Patton Oswalt reflects on the sudden loss of his wife and how he has coped with grief*

Guests of the Blocks podcast with Neal Brennan discuss death, grief, and managing loss.

Dealing with Emotion

Comedian Pete Holmes and Franciscan friar, Richard Rohr discuss the value of suffering.

Comedian, Louis CK discusses how smartphones obstruct us from dealing with emotion in a more healthy manner.

*Actor/Comedian Chris Gethard draws from his personal experience to address a fan's question about suicidal ideation.*

Looking at how AMC's The Walking Dead portrays dealing with uncertainty. — *Looking at how AMC's* The Walking Dead *portrays dealing with uncertainty.*

*Comedian Pete Holmes discusses what he loves about sitting in traffic.*

Vox contributor, Christophe Haubursin, explores smartphone addiction and how to curb it.

*New Yorker, Briana King, discusses how skateboarding helped her deal with anxiety and build friendships.*

*Ray Romano and Busy Philipps give mental health advice to their younger selves.*

Commencement Speech to Kenyon College class of 2005 written by David Foster Wallace

Author and research professor, Brene Brown discusses the power and value of embracing one's own vulnerability.

A look at how the movie, Jeff Who Lives At Home, illustrates the value of activity in dealing with depressive symptoms. — *A look at how the movie,* Jeff Who Lives At Home, *illustrates the value of activity in dealing with depressive symptoms.*

*Lady Gaga discusses her personal experience with PTSD and the healing power of kindness.*

*Kevin Love from the Cleveland Cavaliers talks about his first panic attack and the value of sharing your emotional struggles.*

Marc Maron speaks to the value of empathy in relation to Louis C.K.'s allegations.

Comedian, Michelle Wolf discusses the value of acknowledging #IFeelaLittleBad.

Joe Rogan and Johann Hari talk about the lack of community in America, which is leading to an epidemic of loneliness.

A scene from the movie Inside Out that illustrates how acknowledging painful emotions can be helpful.

A Mr. Show skit demonstrating how holding onto anger can be a waste of time.

*Various examples that demonstrate how a change in perspective can be a helpful coping strategy in of itself.*

Meg Shields writes about animator, Don Bluth's work and the value of making room for sadness.

*Community and Rick and Morty creator Dan Harmon gives advice to a fan who asked him about depression.*

Donald Glover & SNL in a skit about therapy and resolving interpersonal issues with friends.

An in depth video discussing the origins of loneliness as well as how to deal with it.

Procrastination

A humorously realistic depiction of the thought process of procrastination.

James Hamblin, MD, briefly discusses how multitasking can be a distraction in of itself.

*A comedically detailed explanation of procrastination and how to deal with it*

Confidence / Self-Acceptance

A scene from Tommy Boy, in which Tommy Callahan finds his confidence.

The final scenes of Angus which argue against the idea of "normal."

Gillian Jacobs of Community answers questions about awkwardness, and self-consciousness.

In his 2016 special, Make Happy, comedian Bo Burnham discusses the caveats of social media and living with an audience.

A brief scene from Community, illustrating the futility in trying to please others.

The final scenes of Angus which argue against the idea of "normal."

How MTV show, Zach Stone is Gonna Be Famous highlights the common issue of pursuing a conditional sense of self-worth. — *How MTV show,* Zach Stone is Gonna Be Famous *highlights the common issue of pursuing a conditional sense of self-worth.*

The unforgettable dialogue from Almost Famous between Lester Bangs and William discussing the acceptance of being uncool.

Spoken word poet, Shane Koyczan's "To This Day" confronts the issue of bullying.

Author Simon Sinek explores the impact social media and technology have made on the mental health of the millennial generation.

Failure

Tales of Mere Existence explores the definitions of failure and success.

Louis CK discusses his philosophy on failure based on his experiences in television. (10:26 - 12:50).

Community's Pierce Hawthorne shares his philosophy on failure.

Conan O'Brien shares his personal experience and realizations about failure at the 2011 Dartmouth College Commencement Address. (Starting @ 16:16)

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