How Do Superheroes Battle Bipolar Disorder?

Key points

Reference to superheroes is a common practice in play therapy.

The metaphors of superhero stories can be relevant to people of all ages.

Recognizing our limitations and acknowledging our strengths is critical to mental health.

For people with mood disorders, the archetype may be particularly relevant.

As a therapist, I like to spend time on weekends and afternoons preparing for the upcoming week's sessions. In my early days, this looked like reading therapy books and printing worksheets. This weekend, I started watching Superman with Christopher Reeve.

Superheroes are a concept that permeates our collective consciousness. They are modern-day archetypes and often appear in the therapy room, whether invited in by the therapist or not. In play sessions, a kid might place al