Can Horror Help You Heal? A Psychologist Explains

Send us Fan MailWhat do donor conception, horror movies, therapy, and horror conventions possibly have in common? More than you might think.In this special crossover episode of Horror Heals and Family Twist, Corey and Kendall welcome psychologist, author, and donor-conceived advocate Dr. Jamie Marich for a conversation that goes far beyond scary movies.Jamie shares how discovering they were donor-conceived sparked a journey of identity and healing, then explains why horror has always been a source of comfort rather than fear. Together, they explore why anxious people are often drawn to horror, how frightening stories can help us process real-life emotions, and why horror fans create some of the most accepting communities anywhere.The conversation also dives into childhood horror memories, raising the next generation of horror fans, favorite franchises from The Exorcist to Hereditary and Terrifier, and the surprising parallels between horror conventions and DNA surprise gatherings.Whether you came here through Horror Heals or Family Twist, this episode reminds us that healing often begins when we find people who understand our story.In this episode: Jamie's donor conception journey  Why people with anxiety often love horror  Horror as emotional regulation and exposure therapy  What psychology can teach us about scary movies  Why horror conventions feel like family  Raising horror-loving kids  Favorite horror films, franchises and final people  Why identity, healing and horror belong in the same conversation Thank you for listening to Horror Heals. Share the show with someone who loves horror and someone who needs a little healing.If you want to support our guests, check the show notes for links to their work, conventions, and fundraising pages.You can also listen to our sister podcast Family Twist, a show about DNA surprises, identity, and the families we find along the way.Horror Heals is produced by Mosaic Multimedia LLC.Is horror good for mental wellness? Of corpse it is.