Unseen, Unheard, and Undervalued:
Managing Loneliness, Loss of Connection and Not Fitting In
From the Back Cover
Have you ever felt like you’re shouting into the void for someone to just see you and to acknowledge that you exist, that you have value, that you are loved?
That feeling-like no one can really see who you are, like no one really gets it, that’s loneliness. The truth is everyone feels lonely. It is a universal emotion, one we all experience at one point or another, but we have also been made to feel ashamed, oppressed and stigmatised about experiencing it.
Being seen means that someone notices you and includes you. Being heard means to be listened to without interruption, gaslighting or invalidation, but rather with compassion and understanding. Being valuedmeans being respected and treated with compassion and kindness. When all three of these needs are met, we experience a sense of belonging. Human beings need more than access to food, sleep and water to survive. We also need to feel that sense of belonging, understanding and support.
This book will help you reduce your shame around loneliness, to help you manage it, and to foster a sense of belonging. It will help you identify how loneliness may show up in your own life, understand how it impacts you, and help you discover some actionable steps you can take in order to feel seen, heard and valued. You deserve nothing less.
Editorial Reviews
Spider-Man Psychology: Untangling Webs
Dr. Scarlet co-authored a chapter for this anthology
“It Shouldn’t Be This Way: Learning to Accept the Things You Just Can’t Change.”
Audiobook – Click HERE to Order Your Copy Today
_____________________________
Stranger Things Psychology: Life Upside Down.
Dr. Scarlet co-wrote a chapter for this book. The proceeds go to nonprofit to rescue and assist missing and exploited children.
_____________________________
Super-Women: Superhero Therapy for Women Battling Anxiety, Depression, and Trauma
NOW AVAILABLE ON AUDIBLE :
Superhero Therapy Professional GUIDE
_____________________________
UPBEAT GEEK MENTAL HEALTH CARDS
SUPER SURVIVORS
How do we survive when our world has ended?
REVIEWS:
Good Reads Review – Review 1
DARK AGENTS
Dark Agents, Book One: Violet and the Trial of Trauma
This spellbinding graphic novel follows the adventures of Violet—a young witch whose parents were murdered when she was a child. As she wages war against necromancers and demons, Violet learns to overcome her internal monsters as well.
In this groundbreaking comic book for teens and young adults, we meet Violet—a witch whose parents were murdered by an evil necromancer when she was only six years old. Running from country to country, as well as from herself, Violet never gets a chance to fully process her traumatic experience.
When she turns 19, Violet begins training at the Underworld Intelligence Agency (UIA) in hopes of becoming a Dark Agent—someone tasked with keeping the balance between the world of the living and the world of the undead. During her training, Violet hopes to finally overcome her fear of death and take control of her emotions, but instead she finds that mindfulness, vulnerability, and acceptance are the skills most necessary to help her succeed.
Blended seamlessly throughout the story are elements of a powerful and evidence-based treatment called acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Whether or not you’ve experienced a traumatic event like Violet, you’ll find valuable skills you can apply to your own life to help you conquer your demons and hone your unique superpowers.
Note for therapists: Dark Agents presents the core skills of ACT in a fun, narrative format to appeal to teen readers. In this comic, teens will learn all about mindfulness, defusion, self-compassion, and values-based living. The book doesn’t feel like a therapist recommendation—which is exactly what makes it perfect for your teen clients!
Forever My Little Moon review of Dark Agents: Click HERE to read the review
Supernatural Therapy
Just the first line of the famous Kansas song, “Carry on Wayward Son” is enough to cause many of us, SPN fans, to burst into tears. Whether they are happy tears about connecting with our favorite fandom or tears of grief about the series concluding, or an entire rainbow of emotions – they all make sense. And although the series is ending, the lessons that we have learned about helping one another even at times when the world seems to be ending will stay with us forever. This book was written as a hunter’s manual – to help you to face your own internal monsters and to help you remember that even in your darkest moments, you are not alone.Written by an SPN Family member and psychologist, Dr. Janina Scarlet, and with contributions from SPN Family members, Dr. Lynn Zubernis, Jenna Busch, and Travis Adams, this book is the ultimate hunter’s manual for how to become our own version of a hunter in real life (IRL), when it comes to facing our internal monsters. This book includes self-help strategies to help you face your grief, anxiety, and depression, as well as worldwide stories from other SPN family members. It also includes encouraging quotes from the cast, including Jared Padalecki, Jensen Ackles, Misha Collins, Kim Rhodes, and others, written just to support you through challenging times in order to remind you that no matter what happens, Always Keep Fighting!
SUPER-WOMEN
Have you ever struggled with weight issues? Have you faced prejudice because of your gender identity or sexuality? Have you had to cope with depression, anxiety or bullying? Have you been the victim of sexual assault?
If the answer to any of these is yes, then this book is your sanctuary. Here you will find a safe space to learn techniques that will not only overcome these problems and traumas, but to truly empower you to live the life you want to live. Alongside seven other heroic women, you will learn how to re-write your origin story and become a true superhero.
Written by a pioneering therapist and author of Superhero Therapy, this practical and compassionate self-help guide will help you deal with villains, setbacks, vulnerabilities and labels, and will help you define your heroic purpose.
SUPER KIDS
The FREE digital copy of SuperKids is finally here. This is an interactive activity self-help book for children with chronic illness and is a free tool for mental health providers, teachers, and doctors. It was written by Dr. Janina Scarlet, illustrated by Lora Innes, and lettered by Thom Zahler. This project was a part of the Pop Culture Hero Coalition’s mental health initiative and was created in memoriam of the late Len Wien, the creator of Wolverine, Storm, and many other Marvel superheroes.
Click HERE to download SuperKids FREE comic book
THERAPY QUEST
Here is Therapy Quest book trailer:
“Therapy Quest: An Interactive Adventure Through Acceptance And Commitment Therapy” is set to release on May 7, 2019 in US and Canada. This is an interactive fantasy self-help book, in which you (the reader) are the hero on an interactive quest to stop an evil sorceress from destroying the world. You might learn psychological coping skills along the way to help you better manage your anxiety, depression, and other difficult experiences.
https://www.rachaeljess.com/2018/03/fantasy-book-therapy-quest.html
http://www.iamfoxxtailz.co.uk/2018/05/therapy-quest-book-tour.html
HERA DRAGOPURR PLUSHIES!
Click HERE to order this adorable emotional support plushie
Harry Potter Therapy
“Harry Potter Therapy: An Unauthorized Self-Help Book from the Restriction Section ” is currently available in print and e-Book.
Spanish Version Available HERE
SUPERHERO THERAPY
Here is the Superhero Therapy book trailer:
I am incredibly over the moon ecstatic to be able to announce that my book, “Superhero Therapy,” will become a reality. Part self-help book, part comic book, Illustrated by the incredible Wellinton Alves, will be published by the amazing Little, Brown Book Group in December, 1 2016 in the UK and August 1, 2017 in the US. This book is currently the #1 new release in its category on Amazon.
Link to purchase Italian edition:
Book Reviews:
“Psychologist Scarlet, a childhood survivor of the Chernobyl nuclear explosion, draws on the techniques of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) in this innovative approach to helping readers with emotional and psychological difficulties.” —Publishers Weekly Full review HERE.
—Steven C. Hayes, PhD, codeveloper of ACT
—Chase Masterson, actress (Star Trek; The Flash)
—Jane McGonigal, PhD, author of SuperBetter and Reality is Broken
—Sam Maggs, best-selling author of The Fangirl’s Guide to the Galaxy and Wonder Women
—Travis Langley, PhD, author of Batman and Psychology, and editor of Star Wars Psychology“
—Booklist
08/01/2017
Gr 7 Up—Chernobyl fallout survivor Scarlet uses her own difficult experiences growing up to create a compact self-help guide for superhero fans. The book uses superheroes with a variety of problems to present ideas taken from acceptance and commitment therapy, research-supported interventions, and mindfulness techniques to help readers deal with anxiety, depression, and trauma. The heroes address the issues of cutting, eating disorders, PTSD, social anxiety, agoraphobia, shame, and anger. Readers are encouraged to enter “Superhero Training” and learn from and along with Scarlet’s characters. Each chapter concludes with a “Superhero Steps” box of suggestions to practice being grateful, find things they like about themselves, identify their values, open up to hard thoughts and feelings, and engage in self-compassion. The pages of text are liberally mixed with separate pages of comic book—style illustrations. The art itself is illustrative of the text and does a good job depicting the character’s emotions. However, it lacks the appeal, composition and detail most comic book connoisseurs have come to expect. Scarlet’s writing is clear and compassionate, but, despite the text’s sound advice, the superhero trope will likely wear thin on those who are not fans. VERDICT Recommended self-help wherever superhero themes are popular.—Cindy Wall, Southington Library & Museum, CT
______________________________________________________
Authored chapters in the Black Panther Psychology book. This book is available on Here
______________________________________________________
Authored several chapters in the Westworld Psychology book. This book is available on Amazon under Travis Langley (Editor), Sterling Publishing.
______________________________________________________
Authored two chapters in Daredevil Psychology book. This book is available on Amazon HERE under Travis Langley (Editor), Sterling Publishing.
______________________________________________________
Authored several chapters in the Supernatural Psychology book. This book is available on Amazon under Travis Langley (Editor), Sterling Publishing.
______________________________________________________________________
Authored several chapters in the Star Trek Psychology book. This book is available on Amazon under Travis Langley (Editor), Sterling Publishing.
______________________________________________________________________
Authored several chapters in the Wonder Woman Psychology book. This book is available on Amazon under Travis Langley (Editor), Sterling Publishing.
Book Reviews:
“No question whatsoever – this book is hands down the best Wonder Woman book I’ve ever read!! Enormous thanks to Travis Langley and his very impressive (and very extensive!) contributors.”
– Christie Marston (Wonder Woman Network; Wonder Woman Family Museum)
“Absolutely fantastic!”
– Retroist
“A phenomenal job…. Wonder Woman Psychology: Lassoing the Truth is thought-provoking and educational, but delivered in a format that acknowledges the character’s enduring entertainment value and celebrates her well-deserved return to prominence in a traditionally male-dominated field. A must read for fans of Wonder Woman, both old and new.”
– The Quillery
______________________________________________________________________
I’m extremely honored to have contributed several chapters to Doctor Who Psychology: Madman with a Box.
Book Reviews:
“A cracking read. They know their Who inside out and the science is impeccable. Much of it concerns subjects close to my heart and they hit the bullseye every time…. This is an exceptional example of what must now be regarded as a legitimate genre.” – The Psychologist (Dr. George Sik, British Psychological Society).
“This was a really fascinating book. It discusses the changes the Doctor goes through with each regeneration, how the regenerations affect his brain and DNA, as well as how the Doctor’s past influences his future. This book is brimming with new ideas and theories about what makes the Doctor the alien that we all know and love. There were many things in this book that really made me think and reading this book made me see the Doctor in a brand new light. This book is a must-read for every Whovian!” – Night Owl Reviews (Top Pick)
_______________________________________________________________________
Authored several chapters in the Game of Thrones Psychology book. This book is available on Amazon under Travis Langley (Editor), Sterling Publishing.
Book Reviews:
“Check out Game of Thrones Psychology from Travis Langley. It’s super interesting and inspired me….” – Vanessa Hill, PBS BrainCraft.
“Look, there’s going to be at least one person in your life who doesn’t connect to great literature or nonfiction that doesn’t have a fantasy/?sci-fi element to it. Give that person a copy of this book. It gathers essays about George R.R. Martin’s texts and the HBO series that are actually literate, well written and informative. Dwarves and dragons have never been more relevant.” – Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
____________________________________________________________________
Authored a chapter in the Captain America vs. Iron Man Psychology book. This book is available on Amazon under Travis Langley (Editor), Sterling Publishing.
Book Reviews:
“An intelligent and thoroughly entertaining compilation of essays that should be of equal interest to comic book fans and psychology buffs alike.” – Pop Mythology
“A thought-provoking collection…” – Comics Grinder
“This book is wonderfully fascinating and helps shine a whole new light on comics, and the critical implications of these stories. You are even treated to a forward written by Stan Lee and his view on the deeper meanings of comic book characters. If you’re looking to delve deeper into the mythos, crack this open immediately.” – Geek Chic Elite
“Of course more than a few of the essays examine the psychological make up needed to become a hero, whether that be from childhood traumas to the ability to listen to one’s inner voice, to perhaps more importantly put the needs of others before the self as well as the legacies we build with symbolism and how it affects the real world. …varied and educated looks at not just Steve Rogers and Tony Stark but ourselves.” – Retroist
“Travis Langley has pulled together an entertaining collection of essays in Captain America vs. Iron Man: Freedom, Security, Psychology to discuss these great responsibilities. It is the perfect companion for the philosophical fan who wants to gain a better understanding of what it means to be a hero or for the casual fan who just left the theater wanting to slip into their hero’s shoes.” – Amazing Stories
______________________________________________________
I authored several chapters in the Star Wars Psychology book. This book is available on Amazon under Travis Langley (Editor), Sterling Publishing.
Book Reviews:
“What’s great about the books in the Psych Geeks series, however, is that they are amenable for both casual reading and deeper study alike… A fan of Star Wars, you are? Then check out Star Wars Psychology, you should. And if you’re a psychology buff, especially, this is most certainly the Star Wars book you’re looking for.” – Pop Mythology
“…an absorbing read, examining the ideas and core values of why we love Star Wars, encouraging us think about the movies and characters in new and unpredictable ways. There’s something for everyone in this fun and fascinating volume, a good addition to any Star Wars fan’s bookshelf.” – The BiblioSanctum
“That’s the beauty of this book and Star Wars, it makes you think. I highly recommend this to any Star Wars fan that wants to dig a little deeper into why the characters we’ve come to know and love act as they do.” – The Cantina Cast
“…a collection of thought-provoking essays and psychological analyses of the films, including themes of villainy and heroism, gender and family. (Spoiler: the Skywalker family has some serious issues.)” – Kirkus Reviews
Favorite reads of the year: “A vast majority of these essays will make you scratch your head thoughtfully, enough to make you realize the book is awesome.” – Ryan Britt, B&N Sci-Fi & Fantasy Buzz
______________________________________________________
I authored a chapter in this book on Posttraumatic Stress Disorders as seen in the series. This book is available on Amazon under Travis Langley (Editor), Sterling Publishing.
Book Reviews:
“Anyone who’s a fan of the show or comic and who’s at least slightly interested in psychology would find much to take away from this book. Not only will it enrich your appreciation of The Walking Dead, but the way it uses entertainment to explain the importance of psychological concepts, …is quite simply good for your braaaains!” – The Pop Mythologist.
“One of the most fascinating books I read this year…. Required reading for zombies with brains.” – Brian Keene, bestselling author of The Rising, Ghoul, and The Last Zombie.
______________________________________________________
I’m also very honored to have written a comic book for the family members of service members and Veterans with PTSD, particularly those who had experienced sexual trauma. Click the link below to download a free PDF file.
______________________________________________________
I’m extremely honored to have written a comic book for SAGA’s project to help service members and Veterans with PTSD. This comic book was written for people who had experienced sexual trauma. Click the link below to download a free PDF file.
______________________________________________________
I co-authored a chapter in this book on using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for PTSD. This book is available on Amazon under
______________________________________________________
Contributed material toward this book. This book is available on Amazon under Jill Stoddard and Niloofar Afari (main authors and editors), New Harbinger Publications
______________________________________________________
This is the first book I’d been a part of. I had the honor of authoring a chapter in the encyclopedia on SYSTAT, a statistical software program.
This book is available on Amazon under Neil Salkind (editor), SAGE Publications, Inc.
Hello! I found you thanks to The Mary Sue posting your articles on depression and anxiety as expressed in the Harry Potter universe. That was some great illustration! Glad I was able to find your site that way, too.
Sincerely,
Karina
Thank you so much, Karina, so glad that you found these helpful 🙂
Greetings, Dr. Jamina!
I stumbled across your site and I wanted to ask you a couple of questions.
I am seeing if there is enough interest for me to start a Google+ community called Geek Media Theraou” I just started following you on Twitter so I still looking at some of my work, I hope you get back with me about this.
The other question that I have is while I’m not a psychologist, what would you recommend the best way to query others in your field offering research about geek media therapy?
I majored in criminal justice technology, and using superheroes, exedra, is something that I fell in love with!
I look forward to hearing your advice.
Emily
HI Emily,
so sorry that it took me so long to reply, I’ve been traveling a lot and haven’t had a lot of opportunities to check my messages. So glad you reached out. Have you started the Google + community yet? If so, add me, I’d love to be a part of it.
Regarding queries, I think the best way is just to email people directly or to message them on Twitter.
That’s really cool! Are you currently working in criminal justice?
Janina
Hello… My names is James and I am in crisis… I am actually considering taking my own life here in the next 2 weeks. I am a Navy veteran, former firefighter/paramedic, I am currently working as a sleep lab technician doing the administration clerk jobs, I take care of a disabled wife and daughter with health issues. Have Mountainous debt. I also have my own issues. I am currently facing divorce after 26 years of marriage. I have always been a caregiver, a fixer, someone that helps out and supports others. I act very cordial and friendly to those I meet. There is a lot of backstory but to cut things short.. Due to life, conditions at home, etc. My heart has been pained and I’ve been close to ending it all at lest 3-4 times this past year. I have been majorly depressed. Due to the low mobility of my wife from her conditions, I had found respite in another woman that flared my happiness and joy. Her being able to do the things my wife is unable to without major pain and discomfort and being detrimental to her mobility. Anyway, this trist/affair made me very happy. Then my wife found out and of course the inevitable. Trying to explain my reason/logic is “confusing” to her. Ok I get that. She’s extremely heartbroken. Anyhow, the woman I had the small affair with has left me also. So now I have nothing of importance in the realm of love and caring and relationships. I now find no joy, only pain in everything I see no matter how beautiful it is. I always have this thought of “why bother”< "what's the point?" Anyhow I have been planning for a bit, and have to finish getting some things in order before I fully commit. Hopefully soon. I just so tired of everything. The pain and heartache. The daily grind. the hopelessness knowing how tings are going to turn out for most issues in my life. I am truly done. I am sorry for writing this here. I didn't have another outlet. Thank you for reading this. I saw your superhero therapy and it drew me to this site. I truly wish you the best and hope that you are able to help others before they get to my point. Thank you.
Hi James,
I’m so sorry to hear about everything you’ve been through and you’ve been through a lot. I care about you and your safety and don’t want anything to happen to you. Can you please tell me where you are located or give me a number to reach you? Maybe we can chat for a few minutes?