ODW Superhero Therapy with Janina Scarlet

Led by Dr. Janina Scarlet

This is a 6 hour On Demand Webinar. Access information, resources and CEU information will be available immediately after successful registration and registrants will be given unlimited access to the recording for a full year.

This webinar was broadcasted live on Friday, December 3, and Saturday, December 4, 2021

It’s a Bird… It’s a Plane… It’s Superhero Therapy! This revolutionary, evidence-based therapy uses elements of popular culture to help de-stigmatize clients’ mental health experiences.

In the age of the rapidly rising mental health crisis, we need to make mental health accessible and relatable. People around the world are struggling with anxiety, depression and PTSD. Yet, most either don’t know how to process their traumatic experiences or are shamed for trying. As a result, many people might suppress their emotions as well as their own voices.

Numerous empirical studies demonstrate the evidence of adverse psychological effects of invalidation, emotional abuse, and emotion suppression. Popular culture — superheroes! — can be used as a bridge for understanding and skill building. This allows clients to feel understood, making it safer for them to process their mental health experiences.

Worldwide fascination with superheroes from Star Wars, Harry Potter, Wonder Woman, and the Avengers is popular for a very good reason. These stories allow people to feel less alone; to be more supported. For decades now, such films, books, and TV shows have reflected people’s mental health struggles, including PTSD, grief, anxiety, and depression.

Superhero Therapy (ST) incorporates elements of popular culture into evidence-based therapy as a way of destigmatizing the client’s mental health experience. This training focuses on how to use Superhero Therapy to help clients feel understood and supported and expand their emotional vocabulary. You’ll also learn how to assist the client in becoming their own version of a superhero in real life (IRL), fostering posttraumatic growth. No previous experience with popular culture necessary! Capes are optional.

By the end of this training, attendees will be better able to —

• List at least 3 psychological benefits of Superhero Therapy
• List at least 2 ways that Superhero Therapy can be implemented into treating PTSD and anxiety disorders
• Create a clinical treatment plan using Superhero Therapy
• Demonstrate the implementation of fanfiction exercises in Superhero Therapy

Part 1 – Focus on Young Adults, Adults

Part 2 – Focus on Children, Teens

This training offers 6 hours of direct contact (not counting breaks or lunch). It is the participant’s responsibility to check with their individual state boards/regulatory body to verify CE requirements for their license to practice.

For Attendees of On Demand/Recorded Version

If you cannot verify 100% attendance of the Live Broadcast or if you are watching the On Demand/recorded version of this webinar, you will need to complete a Post-Webinar Quiz with a pass of at least 80% in order to verify your attendance. 

For Canadian and International participants

Upon fulfillment of the above requirements, Canadian and international participants will be issued a Certificate of Participation which features:

• Name of Participant
• Title of Training
• Name of Presenter plus their credentials
• Number of hours of training
• Date of training
• Confirmation that you have passed a quiz with at least 80% grade to verify your attendance

Please check carefully with your regulating body/organization that this certificate is sufficient proof for you to claim CEUs.

For general information about Continuing Education for Canadians and International participants, please click here.  

This training is aimed at all mental health professionals including:

• Marriage and Family Therapists
• Clinical and Counselling Psychologists
• Psychiatric Social Workers
• Pastoral Counsellors
• Psychotherapists
• Psychiatrists
• Physicians
• Nurse Practitioners
• Occupational Therapists
• Counsellors
• Graduate Students in Accredited Programs in the Above Fields
• case managers
• licensed professional counsellors
• all other professionals who would like to develop, update or expand their skills and knowledge in mental health practices

What level of knowledge the attendee should have in this topic?
– Intermediate/Advanced