Mental health touches every life in some way or another, and we nerds are no exception. In fact, some research suggests that mental health issues are even more prevalent in the geek community. Challenges related to anxiety, loneliness and isolation, trauma, bullying, depression, shame, and general feelings of disconnectedness are common. Even with technology at our finger tips, and with the ability to connect to people across the globe, we can feel more and more desperate, secluded, anxious, unmotivated, stressed, alone, and unhappy. Luckily, therapy and other resources can help.
As a nerd/geek myself, I know the difficulty in finding a voice, identity, and group where it can feel safe, accepting, and fun to be your authentic self.
POW! Psychotherapy is a place where you will find:
- Body and weight positivity
- Queer celebration
- Intersectional feminism
- Sex positivity
- Kink friendly
- Poly welcoming
- Radical acceptance
If it’s a part of your experience, on your mind, or in your heart, you can bring it here.
Even though I may not get every nerdy or geeky reference, I understand what it’s like to be part of a nerdy/geeky/fandom subculture. Whether you’re a gamer, meme lord, are prepared to go down with all your ships, have a passion for comics or science, or anything in between, those passions are a gift and resource.
Issues for Geeks
In addition to things that have already been mentioned, I have found a few areas that come up frequently for many of my nerdy/geeky clients and consult with other professionals who want guidance around these topics. I have had specialized education, training, and experience in helping clients navigate, heal wounds, and resolve challenges related to these issues.
Anxiety
Anxiety is present for all of us sometimes. We nerds tend to have our own style of anxiety, where we lean towards over-achievement, social discomfort, and obsessive or compulsive tendencies.
LGBTQIA+
I am particularly passionate about working with people who identify as bisexual, pansexual, and asexual, as I see how those voices are often silenced, ignored, and shamed, even within the broader queer community. I also specialize in transgender care.
Poly/Kink
I work with an abundance of clients who identify as poly and/or kink, and consider it a sub-specialty of my clinical sexology and relational practice.
Furry
Furries are some the of most misunderstood folks in the fandom and geek worlds (not to mention broader society). Not only do have a lot of experience working with furry clients, I am involved in clinical and academic research related to the community.
Atheism
The shock, confusion, opposition, and shaming that can come from identifying as atheist can be fierce. Distress related to identity, beliefs, or past religious/spiritual experiences is common.
Childless by Choice
Many are surprised to hear about the stigma that people, and in particular, people who were assigned female at birth, face when they decide not to reproduce or raise children. The pressure, bullshit, and inequality that comes from remaining child-free is vital for clinicians to understand.
Birth Trauma/Postpartum/New Parenthood
The pregnancy and birth experience can be difficult for all of the partners and people involved. Birth trauma and postpartum issues are some of the worst and most unexpected surprises for new parents. I have had intensive training and experience working with people and families who are new to parenthood, and dealing with the impacts of birth trauma and perinatal mood disorders.
The transition to parenthood can also be difficult as you make time and resource sacrifices to care for your child. A lot of new parents can feel resentful, and even jealous of their child, as they lose out on time with their significant other, or can’t engage as much or at all with friends, or in their hobbies, passions, or pastimes. This is common, and even “normal,” and it is still surprising, jolting, and distressing for many.
POW! Psychotherapy 