By Tim Stevens

Noh-Varr appears to be a young adult male of above average physical fitness. While the client does appear humanoid, he is, in fact, an alien, a member of the Kree species, albeit from a different universe. This conclusion is based on both self-report and records provided by S.H.I.E.L.D. Additionally, he is the product of genetic mutation, having had his DNA spliced with that of a creature the rough equivalent of a cockroach. The client assures staff that where he is from this is a rather routine occurrence and that there are no concerns regarding negative complications from such a procedure. A battery of physical tests does seem to bear out this claim.

Since the client’s last required psych evaluation—as called for by his continued membership with the Avengers—there have been significant changes in both his “professional” (masked vigilantism) and personal life. For one, he took on yet another identity, getting rid of the homage moniker Captain Marvel and the press label of Marvel Boy, for the name “Protector.” For another, he has begun a romantic relationship with a woman who is human and was in no way connected with the super hero community until she met Noh-Varr. While he did not wish to discuss her in depth, he did allow that she was someone he enjoyed being around.

With the change in name, uniform, and romantic attachment has come a change in attitude as well. While the client was formerly very hostile towards this writer with moments where he seemed to allow himself to be vulnerable and open to the therapeutic process, he has become significantly less antagonistic. This is not, to say, however, that he has become more sharing in sessions. He is pleasant, but he is still frustratingly disinterested in exploring his past trauma or most of his feelings about his current life. What he does share is often perfunctory. It is as if he is actively hiding something though this writer confesses to have no idea what that would be. In any case, the dissipation of his anger has not made him any more interested in or dedicated to the building of a therapeutic bond. He has, however, stopped outright insulting this writer and making snide remarks about this writer’s family, so that is a certain kind of progress.

Given this, it is difficult to make recommendations about where therapy should proceed if Noh-Varr decides he wishes to do so. He has expressed no specific goals and remains aloof enough that proposing goals, beyond connecting better with others, would be mostly an exercise in inappropriate speculation.

It is conceivable that this therapist is simply a “bad fit” for the client. With this in mind Noh-Varr has another appointment scheduled with Doctors Brian Michael Bendis and Walter Simonson on May 16. Please refer to file AVENGERS #26 on that date for the full report.

Psy D candidate Tim Stevens is Practicum Trainee at a community mental health facility.