Hero's behind the Masks: The Thunderbolts.

⚠️ Trigger Warning

This post explores themes related to trauma, emotional wellbeing. While written with care and lived understanding, some content may be activating for those navigating distress, vulnerability, or past experiences of emotional harm. Please read at your own pace and prioritise your wellbeing. If you feel overwhelmed, consider pausing or seeking support from a qualified professional or crisis service.

About Marvel's The Thunderbolts

Marvel's The Thunderbolts is the new superhero film that centres around a group of anti-heroes and reformed villains who undertake missions for the government. This team, often seen as morally ambiguous, tackles challenges that require their unique skills and perspectives. The film promises to blend action, humour, and complex character dynamics, showcasing a different side of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. slightly different perspective from the other films and celebrates the human aspect rather than the super human aspect.

Official Trailer

To watch the official trailer for Marvel's The Thunderbolts, click here. You can watch this on Disney Channel.

Marvels Thunderbolts offers a rich tapestry of trauma, identity, and survival. Each character embodies a distinct defence mechanism, revealing how we cope when the world feels unsafe. As an Integrated Counsellor, I often explore how our protective behaviours—our defence mechanisms—shape the way we relate to ourselves and others. These unconscious strategies help us survive trauma, pain and discomfort but they can also keep us stuck and may become less helpful or unhealthy. Sometimes, the clearest mirror for these patterns isn’t a therapy room—it’s a film.

Here’s some examples from the film;

Yelena Belova – Avoidance & Emotional Suppression

Yelena masks grief with sarcasm, missions and alcohol. Her avoidance protects her from vulnerability but also deepens her isolation. Like many trauma survivors, she’s learned to suppress emotion to stay in control. Her arc reminds us that healing begins when we stop running from our feelings.

Therapeutic insight: Avoidance offers short-term relief but long-term disconnection.

Bob Reynolds (The Sentry) – Dissociation & Splitting

Bob’s psyche fractures under the weight of trauma, creating The Void—a separate, destructive identity. Dissociation protects him from unbearable memories but also fragments his sense of self.

Therapeutic insight: Splitting is often seen in complex PTSD and dissociative disorders. Integration begins with safety, trust, and the slow reclaiming of narrative.

The Void – Projection

The Void is Bob’s internal struggle, projected outward as a destructive force. But projection isolates him from healing.

Therapeutic insight: Projection externalises pain we can’t yet face.

Ava Starr (Ghost) – Withdrawal & Hypervigilance

Ava lives in chronic pain and instability. She’s emotionally distant, always bracing for harm. Her phasing mirrors dissociation—present but unreachable.

Therapeutic insight: Hypervigilance is a hallmark of trauma. Withdrawal protects us from overwhelm but also from connection.

John Walker – Overcompensation & Rationalisation

After his public breakdown, Walker clings to structure and justification. Overcompensation helps him feel useful but masks deep moral injury.

Therapeutic insight: Rationalisation helps survivors of guilt and shame maintain identity. Therapy invites nuance, accountability, and self-forgiveness.

Bucky Barnes – Isolation & Intellectualisation

Bucky distances himself emotionally, often speaking in logic. It’s safer than feeling. His isolation protects others from him—and him from them.

Therapeutic insight: Intellectualisation is common in survivors who fear their own emotional intensity. Healing begins when we choose connection over control.

Red Guardian – Deflection & Humour

He masks regret with bravado and jokes. Deflection helps him feel strong but also unseen.

Therapeutic insight: Humour can be both shield and bridge. Therapy helps us honour the pain behind the punchline.

Why This Matters in the Therapy Room?

These characters aren’t just fictional—they’re archetypes of real emotional survival. As an Integrated Counsellor, I help clients name patterns, reclaim their narratives and move from protection to connection.

Reflective Prompts for gentle self exploration;

- Which character’s defence mechanism feels familiar?

- What does your “mask” protect you from?

- What would it mean to gently take it off?

What If You See Yourself in These Characters?

If you recognise your own patterns in Yelena’s avoidance, Bob’s dissociation, or Ava’s withdrawal—you’re not alone.

These defence mechanisms are not flaws. They’re survival strategies.

Here are three trauma-informed strategies to begin that process;

1. Name the Pattern

Start by gently identifying your defence mechanism. Is it emotional suppression, hypervigilance, or overcompensation?

Naming it helps you step out of automatic mode and into awareness.

Try this:  

Write down: “I notice I tend to [insert pattern] when I feel [insert trigger].” 

This builds self-compassion and clarity—two pillars of healing.

2. Create Micro-Moments of Safety

Defence mechanisms thrive in unsafe environments. You don’t need to overhaul your life—just create small pockets of safety where your nervous system can breathe.

Try this:  

- Use weighted blankets, calming scents, or soft lighting. 

-Create a safe space with your coping strategies. 

- Build a “sensory anchor” routine—something predictable and soothing.  

- Practice grounding techniques like 5-4-3-2-1 or bilateral tapping.

3. Connect with Someone Who Can Hold Space

Whether it’s a therapist, a trusted friend, or a peer support group—connection helps.

Try this:  

- Reach out to a counsellor trained in trauma-informed care.  Therapy is a safe and confidential space for you to explore your experiences and develop strategies to help you cope.

- Reach out to your support network.  

- If you’re in crisis or need someone to talk to, you can call your local crisis team or contact Samaritans.

If You’re Struggling Right Now

Samaritans are here 24/7, free of charge.  

Call: 116 123  

Email: jo@samaritans.org  

You don’t have to face it alone. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, numb, or just need someone to listen—there’s support available.

Disclaimer: This blog is written from my personal experience. It is offered for education, emotional insight, and community support and is not intended to replace therapy, clinical advice, or crisis intervention. All views expressed are my own and do not constitute professional therapeutic advice. Readers are encouraged to reflect on the content with care and discernment, as interpretation and application remain their responsibility. While I write with compassion and lived understanding, I am not liable for any outcomes resulting from the use of this blog’s content. This space does not provide medical or mental health diagnosis, treatment, or emergency support. If you or someone you care for is in distress, please seek help from a qualified professional or crisis service. Evolve Wellbeing and SEND Services.