Course curriculum

    1. How to Obtain Your Certificate

    1. God of War and Loss (Video)

    1. Quiz

    2. Evaluation Form

About this course

  • $20.00
  • 4 lessons

God Of War and Loss: Kratos and the Hero’s Journey Through Grief

God of War is a popular video game series focusing on Spartan warrior Kratos as he embarks on the hero's journey. Situated within the rich tapestry of Greek and Norse mythology, the story explores mental health themes focusing on grief, loss, and post-traumatic growth as Kratos contends with the loss of his family and identity. The games’ narrative provides engaging opportunities for mental health professionals to apply case conceptualization skills to Kratos’ story from a culturally responsive lens. This presentation will examine therapeutic applications and techniques for grief and loss as well as diagnostic considerations for licensed mental health professionals through the case studies of characters and events from God of War. Attendees will gain insights into the application of this media in the therapy room as well as strengthen their therapeutic and diagnostic skills related to grief.


Learning Objectives:

  1. Identify 3 diagnostic considerations for grief present within the God of War series.
  2. Analyze 1 case study from God of War and apply diagnostic criteria from an affirming, culturally responsive lens.
  3. Demonstrate 3 therapeutic techniques for supporting individuals in the grieving process.
  4. Compare and contrast 3 forms of grief present in the God of War franchise.

Instructor(s)

PhD, LPC, NCC (she/her) Victoria Flores

Dr. Victoria Rodriguez earned her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of New Orleans in 2023 and holds an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Nicholls State University (2019). She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), and a National Certified Counselor (NCC) in the state of Louisiana. Through her private telehealth practice, Dr. Rodriguez supports clients navigating medical trauma, often incorporating grief and loss work. She regularly guides clients through the stages of grief as part of the healing process.

Andrew Amaya-Shaw

Andrew Amaya-Shaw holds a B.S. in Marketing (2017) and is currently completing his internship for an M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, both from the University of New Orleans. He is trained in Psychological First Aid (PFA) and brings a trauma-informed perspective to his work. Andrew has a lifelong passion for storytelling, video games, and narrative construction, which informs his therapeutic approach and interest in narrative-based interventions.