Remain: A Supernatural Love Story

Remain is deeply rooted in the psychological effects of grief and trauma. The novel introduces the protagonist, Tate Donovan, shortly after his four-month stay in a psychiatric hospital for “paralyzing depression” following the death of his sister, Sylvia. To realistically ground his experience, the novel references specific therapeutic modalities. Tate explains that his treatment emphasized dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), a real-world psychotherapy approach developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan. According to the American Psychological Association, DBT helps individuals develop the skills to manage painful emotions and navigate crises, particularly in patients who are considering self-harm. Through a combination of structured individual and group therapy, telephone coaching, and a therapist consultation team, DBT involves modular training in “‘change skills’ (interpersonal effectiveness and emotion regulation) and ‘acceptance skills’ (mindfulness and distress tolerance)” (Lineman, Marsha M., PhD, ABPP, and Chelsea R. Wilks, MS. “The Course and Evolution of Dialectical Behavior Therapy.” The American Journal of Psychotherapy, Apr. 2015). Tate’s explanation that DBT “focuses on the importance of behaviors as opposed to feelings” reflects one of its core principles (11).

Furthermore, neurologists initially diagnose Tate’s mysterious “peripheral oscillopsia,” or flickering visions, as a “symptom of stress associated with the loss of his sister” (21). This detail mirrors real-world cases in which significant psychological distress, such as complicated grief (a clinical condition characterized by persistent and debilitating sorrow), can manifest in visual or perceptual disturbances:

Oscillopsia is the sensation of illusory movement within the visual percept leading to a degradation of visual functioning and quality of life. The constellation of conditions manifesting with oscillopsia marks the overlap between ophthalmology and otorhinolaryngology. (Kamath, Archith, Wen Chun Huang, and Stephen A. Madill. “How Should I Approach and Manage Adult-Onset Oscillopsia?” Eye, Aug. 2024).

Tate’s journey thus begins with fundamental uncertainty about whether his encounters with Wren are genuine supernatural events or hallucinations stemming from trauma. This psychological framework provides a rational lens for the unfolding paranormal events and frames Tate’s connection with Wren, a spirit who likewise experiences unresolved trauma, as a journey of mutual healing.