Using Superheroes in Counseling and Play TherapyLawrence C. Rubin, PhD, LMHC, RPT-S Harness the Therapeutic Power of the Superhero!
With an incisive historical foreword by John Shelton Lawrence and insight from contributors such as Michael Brody, Patty Scanlon, and Roger Kaufman, Lawrence Rubin takes us on a dynamic tour of the benefits of using these icons of popular culture and fantasy in counseling and play therapy. Not only can superheroes assist in clinical work with children, but Rubin demonstrates how they can facilitate growth and change with teen and adults. Early childhood memories of how we felt pretending to have the power to save the world or our families in the face of impending danger still resonate in our adult lives, making the use of superheroes attractive as well, to the creative counselor. In presenting case studies and wisdom gleaned from practicing therapists' experience, Lawrence Rubin shows how it is possible to uncover children's secret identities, assist treatment of adolescents with sexual behavior problems, and inspire the journey of individuation for gay and lesbian clients, all by paying attention to our intrinsic social need for superhero fantasy and play. |
From inside the book
Results 1-5 of 31
... (Bruce Wayne's) parents; or is orphaned, as in the case of Spider-Man, who is subsequently adopted and raised by his aunt and uncle. Other superheroes, such as the X-Men, each born a mutant, are raised in a group foster home, where they ...
... are familiar with the dual nature of blockbuster superheroes. The meek and passive Clark Kent becomes the mighty humanist Superman, the philanthropic Bruce Wayne transforms 10 SUPERHEROES IN COUNSELING AND PLAY THERAPY.
... Bruce Wayne transforms into the vigilante Dark Knight known as Batman, meek Bruce Banner explodes through his clothing when angered to become the Hulk, and Amazon-princess-turned-commoner Diana Prince becomes powerful Wonder Woman ...
... Bruce Wayne would never rob a bank, and Clark Kent would not fight with a friend over a baseball game. In this vein, it may be useful to review some of the origin stories to appreciate how the heroes acted before they got their powers ...
You have reached your viewing limit for this book.
Contents
SECTION II Superheroes and Unique Clinical Applications | 103 |
SECTION III Nontraditional Therapeutic Applications of Superheroes | 225 |
Afterword | 319 |
Appendix | 321 |
Index | 327 |