Psych Ward: Foolkiller

The therapist is familiar with the client, Greg Salinger, through his costumed identity, Foolkiller. As this vigilante, Salinger worked alongside several other for hire individuals known collectively as the “Mercs for the Money.” They briefly attended group counseling with this writer but all indication are that the group has disbanded and, with it, each individual’s commitment to therapy.

When the client initially arrived, he seemed to indicate he was interested in seeking supervision with this writer. However, given that I had already seen him as a client, even though it was for a limited amount of sessions, such an arrangement would constitute “multiple relationships” and would therefore be unethical by both New York State and APA standards.

Further discussing the client’s needs with him revealed that, perhaps, therapy would be the more appropriate choice for him at this juncture anyway. This writer has consulted with counsel on the matter and it has been concluded that this is an appropriate route and, provided boundaries are held firm, a completely legal and ethical approach.

As such, while the client could not directly describe a recent case with me in terms of what he and the client discussed, Salinger was able to relate to me how the client brought up flashbacks of his own traumatic childhood, especially in regards to a difficult and abusive relationship with his father. We explored the trajectory of that relationship with dad and began preparations to use EMDR to help the client process the traumas he experienced.

Additionally, the client disclosed to this writer about his own bloodlust and inability to leave the costumed life behind despite the excellent situation he now finds himself in. He admits that while he never intended to give up being Foolkiller entirely despite his agreement with S.H.I.E.L.D., he also never expected to feel compelled to return to costume this quickly. He briefly argued that had he not found himself confronted by violence, he might not have “relapsed” so quickly, but also confessed that he had been carrying around his costume in a duffle bag for quite some time at that point.

Currently, this writer and the client are focused on exploring what the pros and cons of his costumed identity are and how it has, in the past, controlled him more than he has controlled it. As we continue to explore both his alter ego and his trauma, it is the writer’s expectation that they will intersect at some point and the dual treatment goals will become one.

During his time in prison, the client worked extensively with Doctors Max Bemis and Dalibor Talajic. Their session notes will be available for review on December 7 in a periodical labeled FOOLKILLER #2.

Psy D. Candidate Tim Stevens is a Staff Therapist who has never killed a fool, but consistently slays poseurs with his flow.