If I Were a Superhero Book and Game
- Tasha Milligan
- Apr 2
- 4 min read
Working with children who have experienced trauma or who struggle with big emotions and behaviors can be challenging. While many interventions get right to the point and address issues head-on, sometimes a back-door approach works even better. Addressing the issue head-on can often cause defensiveness or even dissociation. However, the use of metaphors and storytelling can open the door to a child’s mind in a powerful but different way. If I Were a Superhero was created to do just that.
Studies show that our brains are equipped to protect us from trauma by using dissociation and fragmentation of memories to help us cope. At the moment of the trauma, this can be helpful in preventing us from being overcome by emotions. However, these coping mechanisms can provide a challenge as we heal. The goal in therapy is to help children put the fragmented pieces back together and to have a healthy understanding of what they experienced. Storytelling and the use of metaphor are helpful tools to accomplish these goals without discussing the details of the trauma. Those details may need to be addressed later, but these are great tools to get started.
I have worked with many children over the years who suffered abuse when they were young and have no recollection of the event, but they continue to have trauma responses to triggers. Going back and talking about the abuse would retraumatize the child, which is not beneficial. However, we can work through trauma themes, process automatic thoughts, and create a new narrative to help children overcome these triggers.
This resource will help children identify triggers, worries, and situations that make them feel out of control. They will also be able to determine what would be different if they had superpowers. This will help identify goals, which can help lead treatment towards healing. Children will also be able to conceptualize what it would be like to be in control of their situation, so they can feel powerful instead of powerless. This can lead to discussion about boundaries, safety plans, and specific things they can do to stay safe. It can also open the door to help them identify what is different now and how they may no longer be in danger, even if their brains are telling them they are in danger.
Many times in my clinical experience, I have had a child tell a story of abuse, but they tell about themselves as having superhero qualities, of how they were able to pick the guy up and throw him out of the room, or they would fly away. These stories helped inspire this book and game because I do believe that giving children a sense of control can help them overcome their fears. It is helpful not to look at these stories as “lies,” as they are part of the healing process.
You can take the book and game to the next level by incorporating bilateral stimulation as you play. I am currently working through my EMDR training, and I love all of the powerful tools of bilateral stimulation to help reset the nervous system and help children reprocess traumatic events. If you have not looked into it, be sure to do so. It would also be beneficial to look into Polyvagal Theory.
Game Cards:
Monsters—Sometimes, children's fear of monsters is simply an irrational fear, but they can also represent abusers. These cards will prompt kids to work through their fears of monsters and identify ways to overcome them.
Bad Guys—Some children have hands-on experience with bad guys in real life, while others may just worry about what would happen to them if they did encounter one. These cards will encourage discussion and, hopefully, resolution to their worries.
Bullies—Children often worry about what to do if they must face a bully. These cards help them identify a plan of action and ways to feel in control.
Facing Fears—Children will be prompted to tell stories about facing fears or to discuss potentially terrifying situations.
Big Issues – These prompts discuss how to make the world a better place or where the child can find peace during distress.
Life’s Storms—Sometimes, natural disasters are the source of trauma for children. These cards can help children work through weather worries and use the metaphor to discuss difficult seasons of life they have experienced.
Getting There – These prompts discuss how to get out of stressful situations and the mechanisms they would use to escape.
Home Base – These questions focus on places and people who make the child feel safe and calm. Knowing where a child feels safe is an excellent start to developing a safety plan. Sometimes the answers to these questions are shocking! It is essential to understand why a child does or does not feel safe with the different people involved in their daily lives.
While this book and game are helpful for children who have experienced trauma, it is also great for kids who just have big emotions and behaviors. The underlying themes help get to the root of the problem and focus on desired outcomes. I have used it with children with anger, anxiety, ADHD, grief, and more presenting problems, and all have been able to draw from it what they need.
I hope you enjoy adding this book and game to your therapy toolbox. It is versatile and can be used with a wide audience. Be sure to check out my blog post with other ideas on how to use superheroes in play therapy. You can find links to both the hard copy and the online / telehealth version of the resource below.
Other Helpful Resources: