Psychology of Superheroes

I think there is a really good analysis underneath my constant musings about superheroes - but I'm too tired from having to manage sociopath's all day to think of it right now. Maybe tomorrow?

Captain America

"What's so special about you?"

"Nothing. I'm just a kid from Brooklyn."

Crime Victims United of California: A powerful voice in state politics

Crime Victims United of California: A powerful voice in state politics

An insightful glimpse inside the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the Correctional Officers Union, and Victims Rights Groups.

Summer Blockbusters

Another hot summer, filled with trips to the air conditioned movie theatre, to see another Marvel super hero action hit. I am routinely dragged to these kinds of movies - and as a child of the 80's, I will agree with all those who love the Bangles, Punky Brewster, the Goonies, and Indiana Jones, that they just don't make them like they used to.

I run through the list of options in my head: I could fall asleep during this movie, but this has resulted in loud snores which draw horrified looks from members of my immediate family; I could pretend like this is a really good movie; I could cram popcorn and M&M's in my face to occupy the time; or I could try and find some inherent meaning to this movie so I can sound really profound on my blog.

I usually choose the latter. Green lantern is about a test pilot who is reckless, irresponsible, and fearless, though internally he is filled with fear. He must conquer his fear to save the world from a octopus looking demon. Though it is not clear in the movie how he moves from fearful to fearless, it appears that his determination of "will" and intense focus on his task moves him from fearful to fearless. Green lantern, prior to his green suit, engaged in reckless behavior in what appears to be a reenactment of the fear/grief surrounding his father's untimely death as a pilot himself. I'm not sure there is any great metephor or life lesson to be gained from the Green Lantern, but it was worth a shot.

The anthrax killings: A troubled mind

The anthrax killings: A troubled mind

Trauma, rejection, and humiliation are often at the heart of most sexual assault's (rape), as well as explosive and violent behavior aimed at finding retaliation for harm caused. Intelligence is no exception to this rule.

Amazing Grace

Forgiveness (Wikipedia) is typically defined as the process of foregoing resentment, indignation, or anger as the result of a perceived offense. Forgiveness and restoration with hurt others as a healing process is typically something outside the realm of therapeutic treatment, and something that a clinician cannot offer themselves. Forgiveness and reconciliation can only come when an individual acknowledges their own brokenness and is able to recognize the brokenness in another.

Correctional psychology rarely offers the opportunity to experience rehabilitation or reconciliation with victims - but today - in a small room - twenty years after the murder of her husband and rape of her daughter - a victim shared her pain with her offender, and offered her forgiveness.