Healing Trauma Through Vigilantism Part 1 – Batman and Trauma Narratives

This course provides an introduction to the origin stories of the Batman universe, especially exploring the psychological reasons Batman has become a vigilante and how his crime fighting work is a development of his trauma narrative. This course will examine why audiences resonate with mental health challenges in comic book characters, specifically Batman, and will discuss trauma dualities of real personas vs. masking as a coping skill. This course will also examine the depiction of Arkham Asylum and mental illness in the Batman universe. 

Learning Objectives

1. Through an introduction to the Batman story, be able to articulate how surviving traumatic experiences develops into a trauma narrative using the Batman story as a guideline.
2. Analyze the psychological elements of trauma in the context of the Batman universe and identify ways in which the character’s experiences can be used to inform treatment.
3. Be able to articulate the way mental illness is depicted in the Batman universe and what impact this depiction may have on viewers and readers. 

Course Highlights

The Mask and the Man: Analyze the duality of Bruce Wayne and Batman, focusing on the psychological phenomenon of masking as a coping mechanism for managing emotional distress. Discover how this duality parallels client experiences of compartmentalization and identity formation.

The Effects of Trauma: Gain insights into the physiological and emotional impacts of trauma, informed by current research in neuropsychology. Learn how these factors influence behavior, decision-making, and interpersonal relationships.

Resilience and Post-Traumatic Growth: Discover Batman’s journey of resilience as a model for post-traumatic growth. Explore how strength, adaptability, and a mission-driven life can emerge from the depths of adversity.

Practical Application in Therapy: Equip yourself with a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach to therapy. Develop actionable strategies, clinical interventions, and new treatment methods inspired by Batman’s resilience, enabling clients to transform their trauma into personal growth.

Why This Course Matters:
By combining the academic rigor of trauma studies with the engaging storytelling of geek culture, this course bridges the gap between theory and practice. Batman’s narrative serves as a relatable and symbolic model, making abstract concepts of trauma and resilience more accessible for clinicians and their clients.

Who Should Attend:
This course is designed for therapists, social workers, psychologists, and other mental health professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of trauma-informed care. It is especially valuable for those interested in integrating pop culture into their therapeutic practices to foster engagement and build rapport with clients.

What You’ll Take Away:

• A nuanced understanding of trauma, PTSD, and generational trauma
• The ability to analyze masking and duality as coping mechanisms
• Evidence-based strategies for building resilience and promoting post-traumatic growth
• Clinical tools and interventions ready for immediate application

Presenter(s): Joy Garcia, LCSW, MSW, DCR, ADS, CGT

Joy Garcia (he/they) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who practices on the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian reservation and specializes in trauma treatment, crisis, policy, and working with LGBTQ+ individuals. Working with all age ranges served at the Tribal Health facility, he has been certified in Phase 2 Brainspotting, Level 2 Gottman work, and as an Acudetox Specialist. Joy also does contract teaching for the Masters of Social Work program at Walla Walla University and regularly teaches subjects related to resea

Disability Accommodations

It is the responsibility of the Individual to contact Geek Therapeutics to request disability accommodations at Hello@geektherapeutics.com.   

Geek Therapeutics is committed to helping each student reach his/her academic potential and to providing every student equal opportunity to participate in and engage with the course.  In keeping with this commitment, effort has been made to develop accessible learning materials that provide equal access.  Please contact Geek Therapeutics immediately if access to course materials is restricted due to a disability so the issue(s) can be resolved in a timely manner.

Continuing Education Credits:

Psychologists: Geek Therapeutics is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Geek Therapeutics maintains responsibility for this program and its content

Counselors: Geek Therapeutics has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7042. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Geek Therapeutics is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

Social Workers: Geek Therapeutics, #1769, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. Geek Therapeutics maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 05/19/2022 – 05/19/2025. Social workers completing this course receive 1 continuing education credits.

Play Therapists:  Geek Therapeutics has been approved by APT as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, No. 21-649. Programs that do not qualify for APT credit are clearly identified. Geek Therapeutics is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

Other Professions: This activity qualifies for the specified number of hours of instructional content as required by many licensing boards and professional organizations. Save your course outline and certificate of completion, and contact your board or organization for specific requirements. Completion of the course(s) with a post-test score of 80% or better is required to receive continuing education credit; there is no partial credit.