Its interesting that there is an emerging interest in narratives. Within the area of therapy, narratives is a way of reframing your story to view from different angles for better outcomes and making decisions in life. "The problem is not the problem." (David White and Michael Epson). I bravely mentioned fanfiction as therapeutic during a discussion on narratives in a psychotherapy course. (I know, should be shrouded in secrecy). Narratives is my thing and I'm not afraid to use it. A few 'looks' of is she being serious.... and 'fanfiction'??? Why not? Yes I was serious! Working in narratives and journalling are beneficial to our health, I'm sure there is a study out there... in the universe somewhere on it. I spend time with my teenagers and their fanfiction writing friends who are just learning. We discuss the characters and how they overcome issues, and anxieties or handle mistakes and thoughts. We have these discussions while cooking dinner in the kitchen, and of course, about OC characters too. They are learning what a 'Mary Sue and Gary, are'. I'm also teaching the teens about fanfic warnings. How do they know what stories are okay to read for their age? What wouldn't they read? I'm considering group work with teenagers in the future using fanfiction as a place for discussion in learning coping skills along with Acceptance and Commitment (ACT). (I've become a female NAMBU! I also have glasses, however not a scientist super genius). The teens are often surprised to find out a lot of fanfic writers are in the 50s. That it's not exclusive to their generation. I work in the field of helping people, and one at times have changed my view of character's actions over-time. We can change a view and understand different reasons. We gain wisdom as we grow older. I can across this book from another counsellor in the field. I'm not alone in seeing the therapy in it. I was busy with young kids when this book was written. I'm glad to see its coming out the closet and fanfiction is growing beyond being something we hide. STARSHIP THERAPISE Using Therapeutic Fanfiction to Rewrite Your Life https://www.abbeys.com.au/book/starship-therapise-using-therapeutic-fanfiction-to-rewrite-your-life-9781623175641.do?gclid=CjwKCAjw_b6WBhAQEiwAp4HyIGTk_nGcVWxAMARgYjkXM881rsTnAKqJig9UN9oLlmDkjIYLxO50bxoCOdkQAvD_BwE How can pop Culture Heroes Help you Rewrite Your Life https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/starship-therapise/201909/how-can-pop-culture-heroes-help-you-rewrite-your-life

This is very cool that you do this. I know what a Mary Sue is, is a Gary the same but a guy?

Originally posted by stardust This is very cool that you do this. I know what a Mary Sue is, is a Gary the same but a guy?

My teenagers are inventing new names for "Mary Sue and Gary Stew" The next generation could develop some new ideas in the progress of fanfiction. I spent the week making a character cosplay costume for my 14-year-old NT. She is at a comic convention with her besties this weekend. I have 3 girls on the Autism Spectrum, all of them highly creative people. Manga/Anime is big in our house.