Get Out: The Weaponization of Therapy [Ft. Jessica Doran]

Today, we’re taking an educational deep dive into Get Out with our special guest, therapist, and friend, Jessica Doran! 🎙️ Together, we’ll unpack several key themes in the film, focusing on the myths and weaponization of therapy, how mental health systems have historically harmed Black and Brown communities, and the ongoing appropriation of healing practices.

Jessica walks us through the dark origins of therapy, including how it was used to institutionalize and control marginalized groups. We discuss how Black individuals were once falsely diagnosed with schizophrenia as a way to justify hospitalization and imprisonment—an example of how mental health diagnoses have been wielded as tools of oppression. We also explore how therapeutic practices like meditation and visualization—deeply rooted in Black, Brown, and Indigenous traditions—have been repackaged and marketed as “new-age” wellness trends, often without acknowledgment of their origins.

Next, we analyze one of Get Out’s most famous scenes: the sunken place. We break down the role of hypnosis, guided meditation, and visualization, discussing how these techniques can be used ethically versus manipulatively. Dr. Naz shares how he has incorporated elements of guided meditation into therapy, using sensory and visualization techniques to help clients manage anxiety, panic, and dysphoria. We also reflect on the sheer horror of losing control over one’s body and mind, discussing the psychological impact of this fear, especially for marginalized communities.

Another pivotal moment we dissect is when a party guest abruptly yells Get Out!—a terrifying scene that resonates deeply when we think about how people instinctively know when something isn’t right. We connect this to real-life struggles with assimilation, masking, and societal pressures that force people to suppress their true identities. Whether it’s racial identity, gender expression, neurodivergence, or culture, we explore how capitalism and social structures push individuals to conform at the expense of their well-being.

Gaslighting is another major theme we touch on, as Get Out perfectly illustrates how the main character is constantly made to doubt his reality. We relate this to how the medical system often dismisses the concerns of Black, Brown, and neurodivergent individuals. Too often, people are told they’re imagining their symptoms, overreacting, or misunderstanding their own experiences. We use this discussion to remind listeners: If you feel something is wrong with your body or mind, trust yourself. You know yourself better than anyone, and no professional should invalidate your lived experience.

😂 We also encourage you to check out Jessica’s work—while she isn’t currently taking clients, she’s an incredible therapist, and we highly recommend following her journey as she continues building her practice.

Thanks for checking out Different Spectrums! 🎙️ Join your founders and hosts, Dr. Nazeer Zerka and Spencer Srnec, as we process some key scenes to help you better understand your emotions and maybe even find some validation in them.

Episode Breakdown:

0:00 Attention

0:54 Sponsorship

1:57 Intro

6:22 Scenes

18:01 Discussion

You can find all our links here:https://linktr.ee/different_spectrums

⚠️ Reminder: Our podcast isn’t a substitute for therapy. If you need help, please seek professional assistance or call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or 911 in case of an emergency.

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