Geek Therapy: For Self-Proclaimed Geeks, Nerds and Gamers
Written by Elena Green, CHMC-I
What Is Geek Therapy?
Let’s skip the clinical jargon—geek therapy is all about connection. At its core, it’s about finding joy in nerding out over the things you love and sharing that joy with others. Whether it’s Dungeons & Dragons, MMOs (Massively Multiplayer Online games), Magic: The Gathering, Super Smash Bros., cosplay at FanExpos or DragonCon, Renaissance fairs, or niche hobby clubs, geek therapy taps into that universal drive to bond over shared passions.
When you geek out about something you love, your brain rewards you with dopamine—the “feel-good” chemical. Or, to borrow from the wisdom of Elle Woods: “Dopamine makes us happy, and happy people don’t [do regrettable things]” (Legally Blonde, 2001).
Who Is Geek Therapy For?
Sure, therapy is for anyone looking to better their mental health. But geek therapy? It’s tailor-made for those who embrace their geeky side. If you love any of the hobbies mentioned above (or have a special interest that makes your heart sing), geek therapy might be your jam.
Let’s be real—starting therapy can feel awkward. Talking about life’s challenges is overwhelming, and figuring out where to even begin is tough. Geek therapy breaks down those barriers by connecting through shared interests. Whether it’s teaming up in a video game or diving deep into your favorite fandom lore, geek therapy makes the process feel less intimidating and a lot more fun.
How Does Geek Therapy Work?
At its heart, geek therapy is about connection: connection to yourself and connection to a community. And behind every connection is a story.
Think about the stories you’ve loved since childhood—the hero’s journey, overcoming adversity, and discovering your inner strength. These tales inspire us because we see ourselves in the heroes we admire. Geek therapy creates space to explore those connections between fictional stories and real-life struggles.
For example, if public speaking gives you anxiety, you might create a Dungeons & Dragons character who’s fearless and charismatic. Over time, as you practice speaking confidently as your character, you’ll start to notice those skills showing up in your real life.
It’s about using imagination and creativity to build bridges between where you are now and where you want to be.
What Are the Results of Geek Therapy?
The ultimate goal of geek therapy is understanding—of yourself, your emotions, and how to navigate challenges.
Many clients find it easier to talk about their feelings when they connect them to characters they admire in anime, video games, or comics. Those connections spark insights into their own lives, which often become the catalyst for lasting change.
When you feel safe to explore confusing emotions without judgment, you open the door to healing past traumas, growing into your authentic self, and creating a path to mental wellness.
Why Geek Therapy?
Geek therapy might not be for everyone—but if you’re a self-proclaimed geek, it could be exactly what you’ve been looking for.
By focusing on connection and shared interests, geek therapy helps you uncover needs you didn’t even know you had. It gives you a chance to practice real-world skills—like reducing anxiety or building confidence—in a playful, make-believe setting.
Geek therapy has been shown to help with a wide range of mental health challenges, including:
Depression
Anxiety
Agoraphobia
OCD
Relational attachment issues
And more
If your love for geek culture runs deep and you’re looking for a safe, creative space to explore your inner world, geek therapy might just be the perfect fit for you. If you're located in Utah and interested in exploring Geek Therapy, please fill out the form below to get started
Disclaimer:
The content provided on this blog is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While I am a licensed therapist, the information shared here should not be used to replace one-on-one therapy or consultation with a qualified mental health professional.
Always seek the advice of your physician, therapist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition. If you are in crisis or need immediate help, please contact emergency services or a crisis hotline in your area.