Visual Prescriptions
Sometimes it is easier to relate to a fictional superhero than to our own lives or the lives of others. Your treatment may include recommendations or “prescriptions” for movies, television shows or specific episodes, or carefully chosen comic books or graphic novels to help you gain greater understanding of your struggles, and most importantly, so you know that you are not alone in this fight
I often have patients watch Pixar’s “Inside Out” to understand how emotions shape experience. The graphic novel “Wolverine: Old Man Logan” excellently portrays attempting to suppress core aspects of one’s identity (spoiler alert: it does not bode well) and issues related to fatherhood. “Torchlight Lullaby” speaks to the impact of trauma, often beyond conscious awareness. “Calvin and Hobbes” touches on issues from ADHD, to loneliness, to bullying, to effective and ineffective parenting, and highlights the importance of play and imagination. “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” narrates the destructive power of anger and greed, while Jonathan Ames’ “The Alcoholic” deals with, you guessed it, depression, alcoholism, and identity. This is only a small sampling of the compendium of comics on my therapy shelf.
Comic Therapy
I partner with comic book stores to provide opportunities for purchases of graphic novels or comic materials that I recommend in treatment. Presently, I encourage you to visit to Anyone Comics, located in Brooklyn, and Everyone Comics, located in Queens, both owned by a wonderful man named Dimitrios. Let him know you were sent by Dr. Yoni Sobin, The Nerd Psychologist.
Virtual Reality (Digitally Immersive) Treatment
In treating anxieties, it’s sometimes hard to simulate being in the full experiences one fears. For example, someone may not have easy access to skydiving or a plane to deal with a fear of heights (acrophobia), or may struggle to get themselves close to a shark, spider, or clown. With digitally immersive therapy, a therapist and patient can jointly tackle these issues. Using accessible technology, I integrate 360° videos into your treatment plan on an as-needed basis. I have used this strategy successfully with issues including:
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Fear of flying and fear of heights
Fears about storms/nature
Animal phobias
Social anxiety