Geek Therapy Chronicles: Conventions, Confidentiality, and Chaos!

As summer approaches, it’s time to gear up and suit up for conventions. While conventions can be loads of fun, they can also be daunting, especially when battling social anxiety or as a therapist with fellow geek clients.

So how can we prepare?

Know Thy Comfort Zone:

Start small, my anxious padawans. Attend smaller conventions or local meetups to dip your toes into the convention scene. Gradually work up to larger events like Comic Con, where chaos reigns supreme. Some ideas include larping, cosplaying at local events, and attending game nights at your local game store.

Bring a Sidekick:

Don't face the madness alone! Enlist a trusted friend or fellow geek who understands your social anxiety. Everyone can use a great battle buddy! They can help ground or provide distractions.

Embrace Your Geek Identity:

Remember, you're surrounded by fellow fans who share your passions! Channel your inner geek and let your fandom flag fly high. Wearing a TARDIS T-shirt or a Pikachu hat can be a great conversation starter and a way to connect with like-minded individuals. Even if you don’t have the spoons to go in a head-to-toe meticulously crafted costume, your geek level is no less valid! Nothing to wear - still go! You might find some really neat things while you’re there!

But what about clinicians?

As a licensed marriage and family therapist, I know confidentiality is as sacred as a rare Pokémon. But what happens when you bump into a client at the convention?

You have a few options:

• The Secret Identity: Create an agreement with your clients beforehand. Discuss the possibility of running into each other at conventions and establish guidelines for how you'll handle it. This way, both parties know what to expect and can feel more at ease during the event.

• Stealth Mode: To maintain client confidentiality, consider altering your appearance slightly. A simple costume change or adding a wig can make it less likely for clients to recognize you. Just remember, the goal is to protect their confidentiality while having fun, not to become the world's sneakiest therapist!

• Super Secret Signals: Establish a discrete signal with your client to acknowledge each other without revealing their identity. A friendly nod, a knowing smile, or a subtle thumbs-up can go a long way in maintaining the therapeutic boundaries and respecting their privacy.

Anything for the post-con drop?

Absolutely! Post-con drops can be brutal! Sometimes conventions are a source of many happy feelings - dopamine and serotonin galore, with all the fun things we can see and interact with! When we come home, sometimes decompressing can be rough.

You survived Comic Con with your sanity (mostly) intact. Congratulations! But now it's time to take care of yourself and recharge those superhero batteries. Here's how to decompress after the convention chaos:

• Unleash the Power of Rest: Take time off to unwind and recuperate. Catch up on sleep, binge-watch your favorite TV shows, or dive into a good book. Let your mind and body recover from the sensory overload. Consider dimmed lights, a good snack, and a comfy resting place.

• Share Your Adventures: Connect with fellow convention-goers online through forums, social media, or gaming communities. Share your experiences, swap stories, and revel in the joy of geekiness. Remember, the geek world is a community; you're not alone in your post-convention blues!

• Level Up Your Self-Care: Engage in activities that bring peace and joy. Whether going for a walk in the park, immersing yourself in a favorite video game, or indulging in some comfort food, prioritize self-care and recharge your emotional health.

Remember, life's an adventure, and you're the protagonist. Stay geeky, stay compassionate, and remember to save your progress!

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