Parasocial Relationships, Fandoms & Social Media for Therapists

Draw on the strengths, interests, and resources of your clients by tapping into their parasocial relationships, fandoms, and social media use!

Join Ashley for a live training on Friday, March 24, 2023, from 9:00 am – 12:15 pm, hosted by the Minnesota Association for Marriage and Family Therapy! Learn more and resigter at https://mamft.net/event-5139258.

This video provides a brief overview of these concepts, along with a few ideas about integrating them into the therapy process.

Free Downloads

Here are some questions you might ask clients as a jumping off point to explore their parasocial relationships, fandoms, and social media use. The list is by no means all-encompassing! I hope you will take the questions and make them your own, following your own curiosities from a place of competency and non-judgement.

In the video I reference self and co-regulation exercises that can weave in the power of parasocial relationships, fandoms, and social media. Here is a worksheet I put together to explore regulation options with clients.

Learn more about parasocial relationships and other geek issues in these blog posts:

My best friend is a fictional character.

“Obsess” much?: The draw of fandom.

Three reasons why we ship.

Breaking up is hard to do, even when it’s with a fictional character.

Parasocial Grief

Want to consult about geeky therapy or integrating parasocial relationships, fandoms, or social media into therapy? Reach out today! I’d love to hear from you.

search previous next tag category expand menu location phone mail time cart zoom edit close