Superhero Grief
The Transformative Power of Loss
by Jill A. Harrington and Robert A. Neimeyer
Try Kindle Unlimited for FREE today!
Unlimited Reading. Unlimited Listening. Any Device.
So, I don't admit this to everyone, (I'm going to now apparently) but my parents gave me a poster that hung on my wall that said, "Debi Jenkins is the REAL Batman!" I eagerly awaited the newest Batman show every day at 4 pm and I played the part of Robin (yes, sexism in the 60's in 4th grade) with my friend Robert.
And I was glued to Superman reruns in 1965.
So when I tell you I really love the book Superhero Grief, it's as a superhero geek from long ago...and as the wife of a comic books fanatic!
So think of learning about grief theory with Clark Kent, and Wonder Woman, and exploring types of grief with Deadpool, Magneto, the Flash, Iron Man and the whole Avengers gang thru scenes in Affinity War and the Endgame!
Imagine sharing the importance of culture and ritual with your clients by sharing the story of T'Challa or Grief and Family Systems using the story of sibling loss in Thor and Loki's relationship.
The book is presented in 10 parts with specific grief content cleverly dispersed throughout, using "case studies" of superheroes with "strategies of care" and ways to present concepts easily with your clients.
One of my favorites chapters was co-editor Jill Harrington in her interview with Dr M. Katherine Shear about Complicated Grief, Bruce Wayne and Batman! Dr Shear would truly make a great CBT (Comic Book Therapist...you have to read the chapter).
Co-editors Jill Harrington and Dr Robert Neimeyer have provided clinicians with a gift we can share with grievers to see, "what influence heroic acts, both large and small, may have in the lives of the dying and the bereaved" and that, "they can bring with them the power of love, and coupled with compassion, these most powerful human super-abilities wielded together can provide the power of hope."
Please do yourself and your clients a favor and order this book!