It’s a Bird! It’s a Plane! It’s a Logotherapist! Using Superheroes in Viktor Frankl’s Logotherapy

Superheroes have become a ubiquitous part of modern culture. Due to their popular appeal, superheroes have utility in therapy, particularly with young (or young at heart) clients. However, the use of superheroes in therapy is not limited to rapport building. The stories of superheroes reflect the journeys and challenges of our clients, as well as core concepts of Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy, including the will to meaning, freedom and responsibility, and self-transcendence. Therapeutic activities involving superheroes can open meaningful conversation about values, noetic resources, and avenues of meaning discovery.