Self as Superhero: Working with Metaphors, Strengths, and Values

Facilitated by: Kitsiri DeSilva, Adventures in Art Therapy
Date: December 8, 2024
Time: 4:00-7:00pm PST
Location: Online via Zoom
CEs: 3 CEs
Cost: $79.00

Have you ever thought about what it would be like to be a Superhero? What would it be like if your strengths and values were your superpowers? In this super-art-powered experiential workshop, participants will be introduced to the concept of superheroes as metaphors for strengths. You’ll get to create a life-sized image of yourself as a superhero, design your superhero costume and discover your powers, as a reflection of your strengths. Engage in group discussion, followed by writing more rich detail about your character’s origin story and values. Kitsiri will share his experiences and lead a discussion about the clinical application of this work.

Learning Objectives

1. Explore metaphor as healing: what metaphor means, verbally and visually, through drawing general images (love heart for love, volcano for anger, etc). Explain what internal strengths are (courage, perseverance, fortitude, support, integrity, etc). Have participants identify strengths they have or would like to have. Explain verbally and visually how different types of superheroes (their costume and powers) can be metaphors for different strengths.
2. Explore this strengths-based approach, participants will explore and express the strengths they have or would like to have, through drawing specific parts of their original superhero’s costume and powers, onto their body outline.
3. Explore this narrative approach through discussion and writing about individual superheroes’ origin story and values, as a group and values, as a group and individually.