In this compelling 5-part series, delve into the intricate psychological landscape of one of pop culture’s most enduring figures—Batman. This course offers a deep exploration of Bruce Wayne’s transformation from a traumatized child to Gotham’s enigmatic vigilante, providing participants with a rich, academic framework for understanding trauma, identity, and resilience.
Participants will explore the psychological complexities of Batman’s origin and vigilante role, focusing on how trauma has shaped his identity and his crime-fighting mission. By examining Bruce Wayne’s experiences with trauma, PTSD, and generational trauma, the course provides insights into the dualities of real personas versus masking as a coping mechanism. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the physical and emotional effects of trauma, along with a strengths-based, trauma-informed perspective on treatment.
The course also explores post-traumatic growth, using Batman’s journey of resilience as a model for helping clients harness their trauma for personal growth.
By the end of the series, learners will be equipped with practical tools, clinical interventions, and new treatment strategies that can be directly implemented into their therapeutic practices, enhancing their ability to support clients with trauma and resilience-building techniques.
Learning Objectives for this full series:
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.
4.) Using the Batman story and a strengths-based, trauma informed perspective, be able to discuss the conceptualization of trauma and PTSD.
5.) Examine the use of the PTSD diagnosis in treatment and examine how that framework fits clients’ trauma adaptations.
6.) Using the Batman story, be able to recognize and understand generational trauma and its impacts.
7.) Using the Batman story and an examination of Bruce Wayne’s traumas, be able to identify the ways trauma impacts a person’s body.
8.) Through a discussion of Batman’s trauma reactions, be able to conceptualize trauma-informed care and therapeutic environments.
9.) Be able to use Batman’s story as a vehicle for understanding and discussing the body as a safe/unsafe place for clients with physical trauma.
10.) Engage in a discussion about somatic therapies and their benefits for trauma clients.
12.) Use Batman’s story to understand and conceptualize what post-traumatic growth is.
13.) Use Batman’s struggles and victories to understand how trauma reactions become positive or negative coping strategies
14.) Discuss what clinical interventions and skills could be used to help clients like Batman to make meaning from their trauma and acknowledge the role it has played in their lives.
15.) Use Batman’s story as a vigilante and relatable character as a vehicle for discussion about inspiration and resiliency with clients.
16.) Using the Batman story, be able to discuss factors for resilience
17.) Be able to identify tangible Batman media and literature resources which may be helpful in the therapeutic process with clients.
Course Highlights:
The Origins of Trauma: Examine the pivotal moment that forever altered Bruce Wayne’s life—the loss of his parents—and how it serves as a foundation for understanding the development of trauma, PTSD, and generational pain.
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 research and policy. Joy is regularly engaged as a presenter and trainer who offers courses in Mental Health First Aid, LGBTQ+ care, and crisis intervention. Joy is also a Certified Geek Therapist and enjoys employing geek themes regularly in his clinical and educational work.
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: The Telos Project is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists in the United States and Canada. The Telos Project maintains responsibility for this program and its content. 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.
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