#superherostress

SESSION NOTES:

[BEGIN TRANSCRIPT]

Barry Allen walks into the office, his usual bright and energetic self, though there’s an underlying exhaustion in his eyes. He’s dressed casually for the session, but there’s still a hint of that superhero confidence radiating from him. He sits down with a sigh, a little unsure about this whole “therapy” thing, but clearly trying to put on a brave face. Dr. Eto smiles warmly as she gestures to the chair opposite her desk, where a sugar-free cookie and a small toy are waiting for him, among the comforting plants that line the room.

Dr. Eto: with a gentle smile “Barry, welcome. I’m glad you could make it today. How are you feeling?”

Barry Allen (The Flash): grins and sits down, though it’s obvious he’s trying to hold himself together “Hey, doc. Yeah, I’m good. You know, the usual. Saving the world, running everywhere, keeping up with everything—nothing new. But, uh, I guess I’ve got a little bit on my plate.” glances at the cookie and toy “I see you brought the treats, huh? That’s… nice.”

Dr. Eto: smiling knowingly “I did, yes. I thought the sugar-free cookie might be a good option for you, considering, well, your… affinity for sugar.” pauses with a playful smirk “And a toy, because I think every grown-up superhero deserves to have a little fun, don’t you think?”

Barry Allen (The Flash): laughs softly, clearly appreciative “A toy? Yeah, I can’t say no to that. But you’re right about the sugar. I’m trying to cut back, but I swear, it feels like everything I love has sugar in it. It’s like the universe is conspiring against me.”

Dr. Eto: nodding as she watches him grab the toy “I’m glad you like it. And yes, I can understand the struggle. You’ve got an energy that’s hard to match, Barry, and sometimes the easiest way to get a quick boost is a sugar rush. But it’s good you’re trying to be mindful of it. You deserve to feel good without relying on the quick fixes.”

Barry Allen (The Flash): takes a bite of the cookie, looking satisfied, then starts fiddling with the toy “Yeah… I guess. I’ve been running myself into the ground lately. Not even sure how much longer I can keep this pace up. Between work, the team, saving Central City, trying to be a good son, keeping the Flash Museum in shape, and well, you know… I’m always on the go. It’s exhausting.”

Dr. Eto: gently leans forward “Barry, you’re doing a lot. And it’s impressive, no doubt. But even the fastest man alive needs to stop sometimes. You’re allowed to take a break, to pause and catch your breath. No one can keep running forever, even if they can literally run at the speed of light. Have you thought about giving yourself a bit more time for recovery?”

Barry Allen (The Flash): pauses, looking thoughtful “I guess… I don’t really know how to do that. I’ve always just pushed myself. I mean, if I stop, then things might fall apart, right? People need me.”

Dr. Eto: softly “I understand that, but you’re only human, Barry, even if you’re the Flash. You need to take care of yourself in order to take care of others. It’s okay to slow down. And it’s okay to need help, too.”

Barry Allen (The Flash): looks at her, genuinely processing “I don’t know, doc. I’m not sure how to slow down. It feels wrong sometimes. Like I’m letting everyone down.”

Dr. Eto: with a reassuring smile “It’s not about slowing down forever. It’s about balance. You’re allowed to rest and recharge. You don’t have to be on all the time. And I’m sure the people around you would rather have you healthy and happy than run ragged.”

Barry’s expression softens, and he takes another bite of the cookie, then fiddles with the toy again. The tension in his shoulders seems to ease just a little as he processes her words.

Barry Allen (The Flash): finally sighs in relief “You’re right. I just… I’ve never really taken a break, you know? I don’t even know what that feels like. But I’ll try. Maybe I’ll go for a run, but… without all the stress this time.”

Dr. Eto: smiling warmly “That sounds like a great idea. Just remember, rest is as important as work. You deserve to take time for yourself, Barry. Don’t feel guilty about it.”

Barry Allen (The Flash): grins, his usual enthusiasm coming back “Yeah, yeah, I get it. Rest, recharge, no guilt. And, uh, thanks for the cookie. It’s nice to just talk about stuff for once.”

Dr. Eto: with a soft smile “Anytime, Barry. Anytime.”

THERAPIST NOTES: Diagnosis: Stress, Overwork, Anxiety, Burnout Potential Treatment Plan:

Encourage regular breaks and time off.

Promote healthy coping strategies outside of speed and adrenaline.

Explore ways to manage stress without feeling guilty for self-care.

Reinforce that Barry’s value isn’t defined by how much he can accomplish.

Support healthy lifestyle choices, including nutrition and rest.

SESSION NOTES:

[BEGIN TRANSCRIPT]

The door to Dr. Eto’s office opens with a loud creak, followed by the sound of rapid footsteps and the echo of someone excitedly shuffling in. Billy Batson, still dressed in his Shazam costume, enters with his usual bright, optimistic energy—though there’s an undercurrent of hesitance. He’s still a little unsure about the whole therapy thing, but when Bruce Wayne tells you to go, you go. Dr. Eto stands up to greet him, a warm smile on her face as always.

Dr. Eto: brightly “Ah, Billy Batson! Welcome. Please, come in. It’s good to see you, in or out of costume. Would you like to sit down and get comfortable?”

Billy Batson (Shazam): looking around, visibly a bit uncertain but eager to make the best of it “Uh, sure. Thanks. Honestly, I didn’t think I’d actually be here. Bruce Wayne told me to, so… here I am, I guess.” sits down on the couch and looks around curiously “This place is… really nice. You’ve got a lot of toys. I, uh, wasn’t expecting that.”

Dr. Eto: laughs gently, offering him a toy box and a tray of candy “Well, sometimes a little distraction is helpful. I find toys can make people feel at ease. Plus, there’s candy. High priority, of course!” gestures to a small pile of candy nearby and adds, with a wink “I’m a big fan of sugar therapy—don’t tell anyone though, okay?”

Billy Batson (Shazam): grins, clearly more at ease now as he picks up a toy and a handful of candy “I won’t tell anyone. This is actually pretty awesome. I’ve never really done therapy, but hey, if Bruce says it’s necessary…” his voice softens slightly, his tone becoming more serious “…then I guess it must be.”

Dr. Eto: gently “You’re here now, Billy. And I’m glad you are. I know Bruce can be… persistent. But he’s right in this case. You’ve got a lot on your plate, don’t you?”

Billy Batson (Shazam): nodding, but there’s a slight edge to his voice as he opens his candy “Yeah. I mean, it’s hard enough being a kid sometimes. Then you add Shazam on top of it, and it’s just… a lot. Sometimes I feel like I’m supposed to be this hero all the time, you know? Like people expect me to always have it together.”

Dr. Eto: sitting down with him, nodding in understanding “I get that. You’re a kid with the power of a god. The expectations are huge, and it’s tough when you feel like you have to be everything to everyone, all the time. You don’t get to just be Billy Batson—there’s always that other side of you.”

Billy Batson (Shazam): visibly relaxes as he talks about it, clearly feeling the weight of her understanding “Yeah, exactly. And it’s hard when I don’t feel like I am him sometimes. Like, I’m just… Shazam—all big and powerful, and not really a kid anymore. I can’t just go to school, hang out with my friends, or do normal kid things. But then, when I try to be a hero, it’s like I’m not doing enough.”

Dr. Eto: nodding empathetically “That sounds like a lot to juggle. You deserve to be a kid, Billy. And you deserve to make mistakes, too. It’s hard to do that when people are looking at you like you’re supposed to have it all figured out already. But you don’t have to be perfect.”

Billy looks down for a moment, contemplating her words, but then glances over at the toy box again and picks out another toy—this time a small action figure. He fidgets with it as he talks.

Billy Batson (Shazam): half-smiling “I think I’m just getting used to this. I mean, who would’ve thought Shazam would need therapy, right?”

Dr. Eto: playfully “Well, Shazam is still Billy Batson, and Billy Batson is still a teenager with feelings and challenges just like anyone else. And that’s okay. You can talk to me about anything, Billy. You can be yourself here.”

Billy finally looks up from the toy, giving Dr. Eto a genuine smile, more relaxed than when he first arrived.

Billy Batson (Shazam): grinning “Thanks, Doc. This actually helps. I guess Bruce was right—therapy’s not that bad.”

Dr. Eto: smiling warmly “I’m glad to hear that. And remember, if you ever need someone to talk to, or if the stress gets too much, I’m here. Everyone deserves a break, even superheroes.”

THERAPIST NOTES: Diagnosis: Stress and Identity Struggles. Difficulty balancing superhero responsibilities with childhood needs. Pressure from high expectations. Treatment Plan:

Work on understanding the importance of being a kid and accepting imperfection.

Encourage breaks and personal time.

Help Billy establish healthy boundaries between his heroic duties and personal life.

Foster positive coping mechanisms for stress and pressure.

Continue utilizing playful distractions and positive reinforcement during sessions.