Whether you’re just beginning to peek into the shadows of the horror genre or you’ve been a lifelong fan, many of us are drawn to horror for reasons we don’t fully understand. What is it about these films that we love and how do they unsettle us so deeply.
Join spooky psychotherapist Katie Evans for a fascinating exploration of how horror movies tap into our core human fears, make use of our psychological makeup, and can even help us confront the darkest parts of ourselves. This talk delves beneath the surface of jump scares and gore to uncover the psychoanalytic ideas that underpin many of our favourite horror films.
Together we will exploring how horror tropes and characters act as mirrors to the self, and how these stories allow us to safely explore thoughts and feelings we might otherwise avoid bringing into the light.
Katie Evans is a private practice therapist and self-confessed horror nerd, giving lectures across the UK and Ireland on topics such as the psychology of horror movies, sexuality in horror and vampires. Her passion for all things spooky began in childhood and continued through her studies in music, film, and media at Liverpool University, before moving into the field of mental health. She holds advanced accreditation in GSRD Therapy (Gender, Sexuality, and Relationship Diversity) and is a BACP-accredited therapist. Katie has presented at conferences across Europe and has spoken for organizations including The Maudsley, the British Psychological Society, The NHS, LGBT Foundation, and HMPPS, among others. She is also a registered guest lecturer at Liverpool John Moores University. An advocate for using pop culture in psychotherapy, Katie previously hosted The Mental Health Monsters Podcast and continues to explore how fictional narratives—especially those from the horror genre—can help us better understand ourselves and the world that we live in.
Devil’s Botany is the UK’s first absinthe distillery, founded by Directors of The Last Tuesday Society’s Absinthe Parlour. Celebrating spirit’s connection to art, literature, magic & mixology, Devil’s Botany is unleashing the future of absinthe with bold expressions for the adventurous drinkers of today.
The venue opens at 18:30. Doors will close at 19:00 to avoid disrupting the speaker. We kindly ask that all guests arrive before 19:00. Refunds are not possible for in person events with less than seven days notice in any circumstances.
