Why do we pay to be terrified? From haunted houses and horror movies to our fascination with true crime, fear is one of the strangest thrills of being human. In this Halloween special, Courtnie and Melisa explore the psychology of fear — what happens in your brain when you get scared, why some of us crave the rush, and how fear can actually be healing.

Join us as we unpack the neuroscience behind terror, the emotional “safety” of horror, and how confronting fear (even the imagined kind) helps us feel more alive. From trauma to therapy to the monsters in your mind — this episode turns the lights on in the haunted house of your psyche.

👻 Trigger warning: Mild discussion of trauma and anxiety.

🧠 Themes: fear response, trauma recovery, emotional regulation, exposure therapy, and why horror can be therapeutic.
 

💬 “It’s not about being fearless — it’s about being fear-literate.”

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🎵 INTRO MUSIC:

“Good Night” by FASSounds

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DISCLAIMER:

The information provided on this podcast, Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk, is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as therapy or a substitute for advice from a qualified professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship between you and the hosts or Strong Mind Mental Health, LLC. If you want to read more, check out our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Media Disclaimer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.