Horror Community Foundation Fosters Healing Through Frights

A new initiative in Burbank, California, is merging the world of horror with mental health support. The Horror Community Foundation aims to create a space for individuals to confront anxieties, stress, and burnout through the lens of horror media. Founded by Terri Rivera, the organization offers support groups led by licensed therapists, meditation sessions, and movie screenings tailored for horror enthusiasts.

The foundation’s base is the Horror Boodega, a uniquely themed convenience store that immerses visitors in a nostalgic realm of horror memorabilia. Rivera, who crafted many of the store’s decorations, describes the Boodega as a means of “healing inner child” experiences, reflecting her own childhood love for scary films. “If I was having a really hard week, I would drive over to my friend’s house and be like, ‘Girl, I need to see some heads roll!’” she shared. This sentiment captures the cathartic nature of horror, which can serve as a form of exposure therapy, helping individuals process their emotions in a controlled environment.

Research supports the idea that horror media can be beneficial for mental health. It provides a safe space to explore intense feelings linked to trauma. During support group sessions at the Boodega and the nearby Mystic Museum, horror film clips are integrated into discussions. Rivera notes, “Even if you don’t live your life like you’re in Saw, maybe it sometimes feels like that on the inside.”

The past few years have posed significant challenges for Rivera, prompting her to establish the community she longs for—one that embraces everyone, regardless of their quirks. The meetups have resonated with participants, who have described feeling an immediate connection with others who share their passions. Rivera believes that the horror community in Los Angeles is vibrant and perhaps even more robust than in her previous home of New York. “It’s very defining. You go to Midsummer Scream and you see fans who are all about it from head to toe,” she stated.

As interest in the Horror Community Foundation has grown, the events have started to outstrip the capacity of the Boodega. “People are genuinely opening up. They’re sharing. They’re laughing,” Rivera remarked, highlighting the formation of a supportive and dynamic community.

To conclude October, the foundation is hosting a sip-and-paint movie night featuring The Craft on October 30, 2023. More details about this and future events can be found on the foundation’s official website, inviting horror fans to join in the fun while supporting their mental health.