Using Superheroes and Villains in Counseling and Play Therapy

<p>Through rich and research-grounded clinical applications, <i>Using Superheroes and Villains in Counseling and Play Therapy</i> explores creative techniques for integrating superhero stories and metaphors in clinical work with children, adolescents, adults and families. Each chapter draws on the latest empirically supported approaches and techniques to address a wide range of clinical challenges in individual, family and group settings. The chapters also explore important contextual issues of race, gender, culture, age and ethnicity and provide case studies and practical tips that clinicians can use to support clients on their healing journey.</p> <p><em>About the Editor</em></p><p><em>About the Contributors</em></p><p><em>Foreword: Superheroes Matter, Villains Too </em></p><p>Josué Cardona</p><p><strong>Introduction: Superheroes, Past, Present and Future</strong></p><p><i>Lawrence C. Rubin</i> </p><p><b>Part I Superheroes, Super Theories</b> </p><p><strong>1. Flourishing After the Origin Story: Using Positive Psychology to Explore Well-being in Superheroes and Supervillains</strong></p><p><i>Sophia Ansari and Christina M. Scott<b> </b></i></p><p><strong>2. Alter Egos and Hidden Strengths: The Powers of Superheroes in Child-Centered Play Therapy</strong></p><p><i>LaTrice L. Dowtin</i> </p><p><strong>3. Control, Corruption, and Destruction, Oh My! The Role of Villains in Experiential Play Therapy</strong><b>®</b></p><p><i>Justin D. Kruse and Joyce Arendt</i> </p><p><strong>4. The Healing Power of Superhero Stories: Bibliotherapy and Comic Books</strong></p><p><i>Yoav Cohen-Manor </i></p><p><strong>Part II</strong><strong> Using Heroes and Superheroes to Treat Specific Disorders</strong> </p><p><strong>5. I Like Them Because They Are Fast and Strong: The Use of Superheroes in Play Therapy with a Latency-Age Boy with Developmental Coordination Disorder</strong></p><p><i>Aimee Loth Rozum </i> </p><p><strong>6. Using Spidey Senses During the Storm of Anxiety</strong></p><p><i>Janina Scarlet</i> </p><p><strong>7. Superhero or Villain? Merging Play Therapy with CBT for Children with Autism</strong></p><p><i>Roz Casey</i> </p><p><strong>8. Superheroes and Villains in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorder</strong></p><p><i>Michael Smith and Carol Kirby </i></p><p><strong>Part III</strong><strong> Strength in Numbers: Superhero Teams</strong> </p><p><strong>9. I Can Be a Super Friend! Using Scripted Story to Promote Social Emotional Skills for Young Children with Problem Behaviors</strong></p><p><i>Judith Lester</i> </p><p><strong>10. Stronger Together: The Family as a Super Hero Team</strong></p><p><i>Steve Kuniak</i> </p><p><strong>11. El Diablo: What His Role in the Suicide Squad Teaches Children about Emotion Regulation and the Power of Connection</strong></p><p><i>Rachel Hutnick</i> </p><p><strong>12. Using the Avengers to Influence the Self-Actualization Process for Children</strong></p><p><i>Brenna Hicks</i> </p><p><strong>Part IV</strong><strong> Villains Rise to the Challenge of Helping</strong> </p><p><strong>13. No Joking Matter—Villains are People, Too: Working with the School Bully</strong></p><p><i>Meredith Nealy Starling</i> </p><p><strong>14. Brain Food: Integrating IPNB & Zombies with Diverse Populations</strong></p><p><i>Robyn Joy Park</i> </p><p><strong>15. How Secrets Influenced Relationships for Harry Potter Heroes and Villains: Parallels in Contextual Family Therapy</strong></p><p><i>Sarah D. Stauffer and April D. Pachuta </i></p><p><strong>Part V</strong><strong> Superheroes at the Intersection</strong> </p><p><strong>16. Female Superheroes: Raising a New Generation of Girls and Boys</strong></p><p><i>Lara Taylor Kester</i> </p><p><strong>17. Beyond Canon: Therapeutic Fanfiction and the Queer Hero’s Journey</strong></p><p><i>Larisa A. Garski and Justine Mastin</i> </p><p><strong>18. The Black Panther Lives: Marveling at the Internal Working Models of Self in Young Black Children Through Play</strong></p><p><i>LaTrice L. Dowtin and Mawule A. Sevon</i> </p><p><strong>19. Un-Masking the Alter Ego: Fear and Freedom in the Affirmation of the Inner Hero</strong></p><p><i>Kory Martin</i></p><p><strong>Afterword</strong></p><p><i>Lawrence C. Rubin</i></p><p><em>Index</em></p>