The way our personalities develop is influenced by any number of factors, including genetics, parenting, and culture. But what about trauma? In this episode of When Therapists Watch TV, we will explore how traumatic experiences shape the “masks” we wear out in the world. In Ted Lasso, we are first introduced to the characters with their masks on: Rebecca is the cold, vengeful boss lady. Roy is the grumpy loner. Jamie is the attention-seeking narcissist. Nate is the self-effacing guy who asks for nothing. Ted is the eternal optimist who has all his sh*t figured out and is living his best life. But as the show progresses, we see that there is another layer - a more real layer - underneath their public-facing personae. We also learn that these characters came by their masks honestly, as a result of negative experiences that occurred earlier in their lives. What can we learn from these characters about how negative events and circumstances shape us as individuals?

When Therapists Watch TV is a podcast from Ellie Mental Health where we react to and discuss today's buzz-worthy TV shows and what they can teach us about ourselves, our relationships, and the world around us. This podcast is hosted Dr. Terri Bly, PsyD, an avid watcher of television and licensed clinical psychologist. Each season, we will feature a show we think does an excellent job portraying some aspect of being human. With the help of other mental health professionals and subject matter experts, we will explore how television tackles important topics such as mental health, relationships, addiction, grief and loss, parenting - all that good human stuff. 

Ellie Mental Health is an outpatient mental health clinic that began in St. Paul, Minnesota and has continued to expand to over 20 clinics in Minnesota and a growing number of franchises across the country (we'll be opening over 500 locations in communities nationwide in the near future!!). Find out more at elliementalhealth.com   #therapy #therapistreacts #tedlasso