Visual Portrayals of Psychology in the Retail World
Retail Ads & Catalogs (Visuals - 2006)
Advertisers and retailers sometimes unknowingly reference or perpetuate inaccuracies associated with psychological disorders, treatments, and therapists, usually because they're referring to practices from psychology's past (some of which weren't such good ideas).
Stereotypes about places like Bellevue Hospital Center 
in New York City and Bethlem Royal Hospital ("Bedlam") in the UK almost always reference what the institutions were like in centuries past. When the portrayals are clearly set in the past (as those in Bram Stoker's Dracula, or From Hell), the context helps; but when people believe that mistreatment, overmedication, and mind control are still used in modern facilities, they're afraid to seek help.
The same thing can happen with images of the therapist as "Dr. Sexy," as some researchers have called her. Again, in the right context and with a sense of humor, she might not be a problem, but when people confuse the fiction with reality, they may react to your stories in a way you didn't intend.
Clicking the images will open a larger version.
 Bellvue Halloween costume |
 Mental patient Halloween costume |
When I grow up I want to be... Dr. Sexy |
 Putting the X in sex therapy: Halloween costume |