Freudian Scripts
From psychopathic serial killers to CIA operatives with bipolar disorder, depictions of mental health are pretty much everywhere in entertainment. But what’s exaggerated for the screen? And what can these portrayals tell us about actual psychological diagnoses and modern, evidence-based treatments? Hosted by two practicing clinical psychology PhDs, Freudian Scripts explores the real world of psychology today, destigmatizing mental health, through the lens of your favorite TV shows and movies.
In Session with “The Nightmare Before Christmas”
What’s this?! What’s this?! A special new session right in time for the holidays. Dr. Sam and Dr. Fran are putting Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas on the couch. Join Dr. Sam & Dr. Fran as they discuss Jack Skellington’s struggle with his identity and purpose in life (or should we say afterlife). Is he the Pumpkin King? Or Santa Claws? The doctors also talk about different emotions shown in the movie whether demonstrated by Jack or the multiple faces of the Mayor. So hop aboard Jack’s skeletal reindeer-driven sleigh and follow us to Christmas Tow...
In Mini Session with True Crime
Join Dr. Sam and Fran as they explore why we like true crime through the lens of Only Murderers in the Building and Based on a True Story.
In Session with “Suits” and “Billions”
In Session with “Wednesday”
Dr. Sam and Dr. Fran are putting Netflix’s, Wednesday on the couch this week.  Join Dr. Sam & Dr. Fran as they dive into Wednesday’s therapy session with Dr. Kinbott. What teenager is not mandated to attend therapy after throwing piranha’s into a pool? Wednesday is a unique friend, student, and therapy patient. In addition to chatting about the spooky crimes Wednesday tries to solve, the doctors also play a new Diagnosis Bingo! They introduce a new diagnosis- Oppositional Defiant Disorder.  Finally, the doctors also discuss the family therapy session. No potpourri included. In particular, they review Morticia and...
In Mini-Session with School Psychology
Celebrating 50 Sessions with “50 First Dates”
Guess who’s turning 50?! Well, technically the podcast turned 3 years old last month, but today we are launching our 50th session!  Join Dr. Sam & Dr. Fran as they put 50 First Dates on the couch! In this modern, rom-com classic starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, they explain different types of amnesia and estimate which type of amnesia Lucy may be experiencing. Is Lucy’s inability to remember her boyfriend Henry accurate? Would you be surprised to learn that some of the examples of amnesia portrayed in the movie are based on real-life experiences?  To understand amnesia, the doctors also briefly exp...
In Session with “The Patient”
Dr. Sam & Dr. Fran shift from the multiverse to a creepy serial killer’s basement this week. Join us as they put Hulu’s show, The Patient on the couch (and review the first half of the season)! What happens when your patient becomes your kidnapper? The doctors attempt to analyze an unusual therapist-patient relationship and treatment plan. Dr. Alan Strauss attempts to curb Sam’s “compulsion” to kill others after being kidnapped and held in Sam’s basement. Sam describes his urges to kill as obsessions and compulsions. They discuss OCD and give their impressions about what they believe may be go...
In Session with “Everything Everywhere All At Once”
Join Dr. Sam & Dr. Fran on a life saving journey as they cover Everything Everywhere All At Once.Â
While the doctors are not experts on the multiverse and may not have the answer to the meaning of life, they are familiar with ADHD symptoms. They discuss whether or not Evelyn may be experiencing ADHD symptoms, anxiety, or multiverse jumping phenomena. All of the above?
The doctors also discuss Evelyn’s experiences with her family dynamics. We dive into the relationships between Evelyn and her husband, her daughter, and her father. Relatedly, we review aspects of identity...
Welcome Back Second Opinion with “The Bear” & “AP Bio”
We’re back… Dr. Sam and Dr. Fran launch their 4th season with a Second Opinion mini-session! Just as someone may seek a second opinion from a doctor, some scenes require a second look from Drs. Sam and Fran.
The doctors surprise each other with new clips while listening and reacting to them for the first time in real time. First, they listen to a clip from The Bear. In the midst of the kitchen chaos, they discuss the tension and communication styles that Carmy experiences in one of his first experiences in a new kitchen.
Shifting t...
In Mini-Session with “Evil”
Just in time for the end of Spooky Season, Dr. Sam and Dr. Fran bring you a Reel Rounds Mini-Session ’rounding’ on psychology & exorcisms.
The doctors introduce the show Evil and discuss Dr. Kristen Broussard’s role as a forensic psychologist on a team who investigates exorcisms and other unexplained phenomena. Definitely a job that seems too scary for Dr. Fran.  Dr. Sam and Dr. Fran provide brief definitions of demonic possession and exorcisms, as described in the show. Join as they listen to an exorcism from Evil as well as the priests and mental health professionals discuss what t...
