Miscast Heroes: using Superhero Therapy with Justice-Involved Clients

When working with clients involved in the justice system, stigma and shame are two of the biggest barriers to effective therapy. How do you reach those who society views as villains? Can superhero stories and other geek topics help justice-involved clients better understand their past and make better choices for their futures? Is rehabilitation and redemption possible for those who have turned to the “Dark Side?” In this presentation, three clinicians will share their experiences with incorporating superhero therapy in forensic settings to help clients come to terms with their origin stories, connect with core values and find their inner hero. After all, what is a villain if not a miscast hero?

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will learn how to incorporate the concepts of origin stories to aid clients in understanding risk factors and cognitive distortions at play in offending behaviors
2. Attendees will be able to apply superhero stories in teaching pro-social skills
3. This presentation is designed to help clinicians empower at-risk clients in changing their personal story
4. Attendees will learn important factors to addressing treatment goals with this population.