Becoming A Superhero: A book for children who have experienced trauma

Becoming A Superhero

By Miri Bar-Halpern, PsyD, and illustrated by Magali Laitem, PsyD

Provides young children with specific coping skills for dealing with trauma
Includes strategies to reduce PTSD symptoms
Helpful for prevention and intervention
Based on proven, research based techniques
Includes bibliotherapy techniques
Suitable for children ages 5 to 9 years old
Becoming A Superhero provides young children specific coping skills that will build their sense of resiliency and reduce PTSD symptoms. This book can be used both as prevention and intervention when working with children who have experienced a traumatic event. Becoming A Superhero is based on proven, research based techniques such as psychoeducation about trauma and emotion identification, the development of coping skills and affect regulation, and mindfulness activities. These components are based on cognitive and behavioral interventions such as Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, TARGET-Trauma, and Affect Regulation, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Becoming A Superhero includes bibliotherapy techniques that have been identified by research to help the book be more attractive and useful to children. A separate chapter provides methods of adapting this book to the child’s developmental level and alternative skill-building activities. Becoming A Superhero is an excellent way to open a discussion between the therapist, the parent, and the child.

Praise for Becoming A Superhero

“This unique book tells a story with engaging pictures and characters that provides a sensitive and science-based explanation for children about how they and their families can understand and overcome the psychological hurt that can occur to anyone when terrible events happen. It is a valuable source of reassurance and hope for any child or family affected by trauma.” Julian D. Ford, Ph.D., Professor of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut Health Center

“Dr. Bar-Halpern gives the children of our generation an invaluable resource for overcoming the emotional traumas experienced by so many in the face of terrorism. The fears and triumphs the main character experiences will resonate with children, who can practice with “Billy” as he develops skills to cope throughout his adventure. Parents, teachers and therapists will quickly recognize Becoming a Superhero as a vital guide for helping children develop resilience in the face of all kinds of traumas.” Christopher J. Pagano, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist, Harvard Medical School

“There is no better way to deliver messages to young children than through play and books. This book provides a creative integration of the knowledge of resilience and its clinical application. The book is playful and will be useful to parents and young children and to clinicians and educators alike. The engaging style is especially valuable for young children experiencing a range of psychological trauma. I believe this book can become a resource for all people involved in early childhood education.” Ruth Pat-Horenczyk, Ph.D., Director of Child & Adolescent Services, Israel Center for the Treatment of Psychotrauma

Softcover, colored illustrations, 30 pages, suitable for ages 5 to 9