Through rich and research-grounded clinical applications, Using Superheroes and Villains in Counseling and Play Therapy 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.
Review:
“Using Superheroes and Villains in Counseling and Play Therapy will be a welcome addition to any child or family therapist’s professional bookshelf. Editor Larry Rubin and his expert coauthors provide a how-to for applying a broad range of today’s colorful and complex characters to the demands of our increasingly diverse clinical caseloads. Just as importantly, the chapters explain how to integrate superhero mythology with contemporary, evidence-based, gold-standard psychotherapeutic approaches like CBT, behavioral treatment, and positive psychology.”―Alan M. “Woody” Schwitzer, PhD, licensed psychologist and professor of counseling at Old Dominion University
“Dr. Rubin has provided us with a marvelous compendium of timely, diverse, and powerful therapeutic interventions. Using Superheroes and Villains in Counseling and Play Therapy is an essential resource for mental health professionals working with young―as well as not so young―clients for whom superheroes and villains are an integral part of their personal mythology. As clinicians it is imperative that we genuinely understand the personal mythology that our clients present to us via their play, their words, and their actions, as that is what opens the window into their world and allows us to join them on their journey. What an amazing gift to us all!”―Loretta Gallo-Lopez, LMHC, RPT-S, RDT-BCT, clinical director of Focus Academy and clinician in private practice
“Once again, Larry Rubin has put together a powerful group of authors that provide a fresh and enthusiastic therapeutic approach coupled with relevant case studies that offer effective techniques for use of a medium that is relatable to all humans, especially young people. Using Superheroes and Villains in Counseling and Play Therapy is a valuable therapeutic tool that no practitioner working with young people should be without!”―Kevin B. Hull, PhD, core faculty member in counselor education at Liberty University and clinician in private practice
About the Author:
Lawrence C. Rubin, PhD, ABPP, LMHC, RPT-S, is a Professor of Counselor Education at St. Thomas University, where he directs the Mental Health Counseling Program, and an Adjunct Professor of Counselor Education at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. He maintains a private practice as a psychologist, counselor, and play therapist, specializing in children, teens and families, and is widely published on the subjects of counseling and popular culture.
