Chapter 1: The Hero's Journey in Therapy

Through my experiences as a Marriage & Family Therapist trainee, I've realized that many individuals often frame their lives and relationships within the context of a Hero's Journey, categorizing experiences as successes or failures. While the Hero's Journey is not inherently negative—serving as a valuable framework in various therapeutic models—I believe that relying solely on this narrative can lead to complications. It limits our understanding of the intricate ways we are interconnected with the world and those around us.

When analyzing relational dynamics, therapists sometimes refer to the identified patient (IP) with a touch of irony. The IP is viewed as the individual in the relational system who requires assistance—often seen as the one failing in their heroic narrative. In family situations, this might be a "troublesome child," while in couples therapy, it could be an unspoken fear that one partner is the source of the issues. It is crucial to note that while there are circumstances where an individual may be clearly problematic (e.g., abusive behavior), the narrow focus on the Hero's Journey can lead to viewing others as either responsible for or uninvolved in the IP's challenges.

In some therapeutic practices, the broader world and individuals outside the IP are acknowledged merely as context for the IP's struggles. Their external environment might be seen as either a unique quirk or a dominating force that prevents them from fulfilling their heroic narrative. This exploration serves to clarify either the IP's issues or the shortcomings of their surroundings, framing the conversation around blame rather than shared responsibility.

This critique is not aimed at any specific therapeutic approach—many, including psychoanalysis, CBT, DBT, ACT, and Gestalt therapy, can incorporate the Hero's Journey without limiting themselves to it. Conversely, there are models within Marriage & Family Therapy that neglect the Hero's Journey or the importance of individuality, which can be detrimental to clients.

The underlying fallacy is the belief that our successes or failures depend solely on our own efforts and decisions, and that the challenges we face in therapy can be neatly attributed to individual faults. In reality, we are not isolated entities; rather, we exist as interconnected webs, continuously affecting and being influenced by one another. This interconnectedness does not render us helpless in a deterministic world; instead, it signifies that we are inextricably intertwined.

We need not be the origin of a problem to inquire about how we can contribute to solutions or to acknowledge that we too can be influenced by others' challenges. We do not need to conform to a collective identity to strive for greater heroism together, nor must we bear blame to assume responsibility.

Therapy provides a valuable space for us to recognize that we co-create our existence—not just for ourselves, but for each other. It is through this understanding that we can learn to take our shared humanity seriously.

The first video, "Cinema Therapy - Psychology of a Hero: THOR," explores the psychological dimensions of heroism through popular culture, illustrating how these narratives shape our understanding of ourselves and others.

Chapter 2: Redefining Responsibility in Therapeutic Contexts

The second video, "Janina Scarlet: Superhero Therapy," delves into the concept of Superhero Therapy, demonstrating how embracing heroic narratives can aid in personal growth and resilience while fostering community connections.