Posts by Dr. Sandra E. Cohen
WEAPONS: Being Under the Spell of a Narcissistic Abuser
I know, I know. Aunt Gladys is supposed to be a witch in Zach Cregger’s new film, Weapons. But I have to say: What better example of a gaslighting narcissistic abuser could we possibly find? As well as the devastating effects when you’re caught in that horrible situation. Aunt Gladys will use and misuse anyone…
Read MoreI SAW THE TV GLOW: When Sadness Can Be Just Too Much
Owen and Maddy can’t be who they are in Jane Schoenbrun‘s I Saw the TV Glow. Those reasons started in traumatic childhoods but are now inside themselves. For Owen, his dad’s control and lack of acceptance. He doesn’t even try to “get” Owen. If Owen expresses interest, like in the Pink Opaque, he humiliates him:…
Read MoreSORRY, BABY: “Not Thinking About It,” Trauma Triggers, & What Heals
Something bad happened to Agnes in Eva Victor’s, Sorry, Baby. Yes, Sexual assault is bad. And, Agnes has the typical trauma responses: thinking and not thinking about it, confusion, disorientation, depression, and hyperalert distrust. Yet, watching this film as a psychoanalyst who treats trauma, I have to say that something bad also happened to Agnes…
Read MoreBEAU IS AFRAID: He Lives in a Constant Reel of Dissociated (Terrifying) Feelings
Beau is Afraid in Ari Aster‘s psychologically complex horror film. He has good reasons to be afraid. Beau has a (very) scary mom. He’s frightened of making the “wrong” move or saying the “wrong” thing. He lives in a constant reel of dissociated (terrifying) feelings. Mostly, his rage. Beau has no choice but to project…
Read MoreMATERIALISTS: Love Isn’t Easy When Your Childhood Was Hard
Materialists, written and directed by Celine Song, starring Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal, tells the story of how love isn’t easy when your childhood was hard (with a little matchmaking mixed in). Childhood trauma sets you up for confusion, insecurity, hopelessness, and various defenses against being hurt again, like going cold and choosing…
Read MoreDYING FOR SEX, EPISODE 8: Letting in Love Changes Molly (& Everyone Else)
Sexual abuse is serious. A rift with your mom is too, in Dying for Sex, Episode 8. But “It’s Not That Serious” when you can let in more love and finally embrace what you want. That’s what Molly does when she admits she needs her mom and is brave enough to find her own way…
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