Cosplay Therapy

Cosplay Therapy is our program that uses cosplay in various forms to help with reducing mental health struggles in the Black community through creative means.

Cosplay Therapy is a program that helps clients to utilize cosplay as a coping mechanism. The focus is on helping BIPOC to learn about cosplay and experience activities that can help learn focus, creative emotional outlet, how to build self-esteem and self-efficacy. All are welcome to attend any events.

• Conventions: Erica Washington, MA, LCPC, LMHC, NCC attends several conventions throughout the year discussing the struggles and triumphs of becoming a Black cosplayer. Topics included are racism, colorism, sizeism, and homophobia in cosplay. There is also encouragement and community engagement so that new seasoned cosplayers can make connections which will keep the experience enjoyable and interactive. Conventions typically do have ticket costs (but not always), but the panel itself is free to attendees.

• Workshops are held at various libraries in the area which discus what cosplay is and how it can be used as a coping mechanism.

What is cosplay? The work cosplay comes from the combination of costume and play. Many individuals utilize cosplay as a way to live outside of reality for a period of time. They can escape from the daily grind of life. Many people wear cosplay to conventions which range from specifically cosplay conventions to conventions based on fan bases such as Start Trek, Star Wars, Harry Potter, and other items in the genres of fantasy. As a healing measure, cosplay gives you the ability to externalize your issues. While in costume you are no longer the person who is struggling, but the hero, anti hero, villain, side character, who is living their life to the fullest. As you externalize your issues, it gives you the ability to talk about them without being immersed in the problem. Creative healing is utilized in therapy, workshops, and at community events. Participants have the opportunity to learn cosplay as apart of their self-care. Most events are free to participants. If there is a cost associated, it will be listed. All conventions we attend have their own tickets, so please be aware of the ticket cost prior to attending.

Upcoming events:

TBD