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word of advice : contains spoilers forHarley Quinn # 15andShadow War Zone # 1 !
In DC Comics , many know ofHarley Quinn ’s professional claim as Dr. Harleen Quinzel . However , Harley ’s original job verbal description has fluctuated in various adaptations , generally flip - flopping between psychiatrist and psychologist as needed for the plot . However , it does n’t make sense to utilise these terms synonymously , as they ’re both very different professions . Finally , DC has settled the disputation .
Many are n’t familiar with the differences between a psychologist and psychiatrist , those roles being used interchangeably in various forms of media , include comic Bible . A psychologist is someone who requires a PhD qualification ; they study human behavior and treat their patients through therapy . psychological medicine , on the other hand , is a medical battleground , which call for an MD . They concentrate more on the scientific discipline of the brain , studying its biological and chemical substance instability , and prescribing medication to their patient . Even in her comic - bookorigin play along Harley ’s risein popularity inBatman : The Animated Series , creators Paul Dini and Bruce Timm could n’t settle what variety of doctor she was . In the span of five page , readers learned that Harley somehow had a Ph.D. in Psychologyandhad attended med schooling before start employment at Arkham Asylum .
relate : Harley Quinn Should Have Become A honest DC Hero Years in the first place
The specific mention of Harley having a"doctorate in psychology"and the manner in which she analyse the concept of masking as a social concept - something a psychologist would discuss , not a psychiatrist - settle her former professing , especially since both narrative are define in DC ’s main canon . As a incentive , Shadow War Zonealso mentions clinical hours at Arkham , excuse why she originally began working at the mental hospital whereshe’d eventually satisfy Joker . Harley has always demonstrated a shrewd understanding of emotion and demeanour , with one of her capital strength being her ability to read hoi polloi , so the selection to codify her as a psychological science is a smart one .
After age of back - and - forth depending on the creative team , it ’s specifically reassert that Harley Quinn is a qualified psychologist , PhD and all . Despite being so on a regular basis pronounce as a head-shrinker , her portrayal as a type does n’t suit that role . Harley Quinn ’s word-painting in the comicsand her empathic demeanor make psychologist seem like a far more viable use .
More : DC Shuts Down Harley Quinn Haters Who Call Her DC ’s Deadpool
Harley Quinn # 15andShadow War Zone # 1are available now from DC Comics .
