“The authors in Superhero Grief cast an intriguing and informative light on the potential transformative power of loss through the lens of the archetype of the superhero. From the impetus of tragedy, these mythical beings find power and purpose, providing lessons on loss for humanity. Thoughtful insight abounds for professionals and grieving people seeking sense-making of their own hero’s journey!”
Donna L. Schuurman, EdD, FT, senior director of advocacy and training and executive director emeritus at The Dougy Center: The National Grief Center for Children and Families, USA
Jill A. Harrington, DSW, LCSW is in private practice in the greater Washington, DC, area, where she works as an adjunct professor, grief educator, trainer, writer, and consultant.
Robert A. Neimeyer, PhD directs the Portland Institute for Loss and Transition; actively practices as a trainer, consultant, and coach; and has published extensively on grieving as a meaning-making process.
Welcome to Superhero Grief: The Transformative Power of Loss, 1st Edition (2021). Superhero Grief is the creative work of Jill A. Harrington in collaboration with Robert A. Neimeyer. The book features esteemed researchers, clinicians, and professionals in the field of Thanatology (the study of dying, death, and bereavement), who address major topics in grief using superhero narratives to explore loss in the context of bereavement and to promote a contextual view of issues and relationship types that can improve coping skills.
Authors use modern superhero narratives, as fictional case studies, to teach the principles of grief theories and concepts and provide practical ideas for promoting healing. Chapters offer clinical strategies, approaches, and interventions, including strategies based in expressive arts and complementary therapies. This volume provides support and psychoeducation to students, clinicians, educators, researchers, and the bereaved while contributing significantly to the literature on the intersection of death, traumatic loss, and grief.
In combination with the book, this website offers additional information from authors, editors and supporters.
Our Mission: A Call to Action - To bring forth, out of the shadows, an esteemed league of thanatologists to help promote a Grief-Informed Society and compassionate care for those at end-of-life and the bereaved.
Dedication
In devoted memory of the two complex, flawed, and loving true New York characters who created me, gave me my origin story, influenced my story arc, taught me how to embrace vulnerability as well as call upon the power of strength in the face of adversity.
Elyse Nanni Harrington
(1944-2016)
and
James Dennis Harrington
(1941-2015)
-JAH
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