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59: Pros + Perils of Parasocial Connections

Sensitive Stories

Chapters
0:00
Defining Parasocial Relationships
8:34
The HSP Experience With Public Figures
14:11
Benefits and Downsides of Fan Attachments
21:20
When Parasocial Relationships Become Unhealthy
29:01
Finding Balance in Real vs. Virtual Connections
39:55
Building Authentic Relationships in a Digital Age
46:35
Key Takeaways and Closing Thoughts
Sensitive Stories
59: Pros + Perils of Parasocial Connections
Aug 12, 2025 Episode 59
April Snow and Dr. Lana Holmes

Do you get overly attached to fictional characters, musicians, or other people who live in the public eye? In this episode, I talk with Lana Holmes, Psy.D., LCP about the pros and cons of parasocial relationships as well as:  

• Why HSPs are more impacted by parasocial connections  

• The purpose of parasocial relationships that serve as role models, provide a sense of belonging, or build self-esteem 

• The downsides of forming attachments with fictional characters or public figures 

• Ways parasocial relationships impact your real life connections and when it’s time to set boundaries 

• Using your parasocial connections as clues to the values and traits you’re looking for in your real life connections  

Dr. Lana is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist at the Center for Inclusive Therapy + Wellness. She's passionate about providing therapy that welcomes and celebrates marginalized, oppressed, and stigmatized communities. Her areas of clinical interest and expertise include: the intersection between mental health and spirituality, issues pertaining to BDSM, kink, and ethical non-monogamy; issues pertaining to BIPOC individuals, issues pertaining to LGBTQIA2S+ folx, trauma across the lifespan, life transitions, anxiety disorders, and depressive disorders. She currently has openings for online individual and couples therapy.      

Keep in touch with Dr. Lana:
• Website: https://www.inclusivetherapywellness.com/lana 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lana-holmes-psy-d-348972186 
• Email: inclusivetherapywellness@gmail.com   

Resources Mentioned:
• Kink and Clinical Practice 101 Training: https://www.touchstoneinstitute.org/trainings/kink-and-clinical-practice-101-(self-paced)
• Luddite Club: https://www.theludditeclub.org 
• Mass Communication and Parasocial Interaction Study: https://doi.org/10.1080/00

For more deep conversations like this, join me in Sensitive Circles - a cozy online community for highly sensitive people to find meaningful connection and deepen self-awareness at their own pace. More details: https://www.sensitivecircles.com 

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This episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment with a mental health or medical professional. 

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