When Your Client is a Super Fan: Exploring parasocial relationships and their effects on mental health

Curt and Katie chat about parasocial relationships. We talk about what parasocial relationships (and break ups) are, who is most likely to engage in these relationships, and the positive and negative impacts of these one-sided relationships. We also look at how to use these relationships within therapy. This is a continuing education podcourse.

Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!

In this podcast episode we talk about parasocial relationships

People develop relationships with celebrities, TV personalities, and others in the public eye. But do therapists assess the impact these relationships have on their clients and their mental health? This episode explores the ways that clients interact in one-sided relationships, the mental health benefits and drawbacks to engaging in these relationships, and ways for therapists to assess the potential impacts on client mental health and behavior.

How can parasocial relationships show up (and be utilized) in therapy?

·      How to help clients identify appropriate role models

·      Using parasocial relationships as practice for social relationships

·      Ask what content clients are consuming to identify what messages they are receiving

·      Get very direct: ask about all of the content they regularly consume

·      Look especially at the content or influencers talking about things relevant to their presenting problems

·      Explore how clients with social anxiety are interacting with potential parasocial relationships

·      Staying abreast of news stories related to parasocial objects

·      Listening for certain types of unhealthy messages (like toxic masculinity)

·      Helping to expand your clients’ critical thinking and influences in their lives

·      Understanding why they are choosing these relationships and the meaning they are making from them

·      Using these relationships as practice or places to seek self-awareness and insight, especially related to identity and values

·      Grief work when there are parasocial breakups

Receive Continuing Education for this Episode of the Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide

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Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits:

Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/

Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/