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Super-Women: Superhero Therapy for Women Battling Depression, Anxiety and Trauma
Have you ever struggled with weight issues? Have you faced prejudice because of your gender identity or sexuality? Have you had to cope with depression, anxiety or bullying? Have you been the victim of sexual assault?
If the answer to any of these is yes, then this book is your sanctuary. Here you will find a safe space to learn techniques that will not only overcome these problems and traumas, but to truly empower you to live the life you want to live. Alongside seven other heroic women, you will learn how to re-write your origin story and become a true superhero.
Written by a pioneering therapist and author of Superhero Therapy, this practical and compassionate self-help guide will help you deal with villains, setbacks, vulnerabilities and labels, and will help you define your heroic purpose.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 5, 2020
19 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 26, 2021
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
Super-Women is a self help therapy book for women who are suffering from depression, trauma and anxiety.
This book is by a trained super-women therapy trainer and was written as a group therapy session where you are the additional person in the group. The book starts with introductions where everyone introduces themselves and says why they are there. All the women are likeable and relatable with their experiences and this helps the reader to feel at home. This book is handled with much care, support and empathy and is unique to anyone who decides to read it.
The author suggests stepping away for as long as you need if your trauma becomes too much and picking it back up when you are ready.
This is a very much needed book in today's world and is helpful for so many different women and traumas, depression or anxieties in life.
Super-Women is a self help therapy book for women who are suffering from depression, trauma and anxiety.
This book is by a trained super-women therapy trainer and was written as a group therapy session where you are the additional person in the group. The book starts with introductions where everyone introduces themselves and says why they are there. All the women are likeable and relatable with their experiences and this helps the reader to feel at home. This book is handled with much care, support and empathy and is unique to anyone who decides to read it.
The author suggests stepping away for as long as you need if your trauma becomes too much and picking it back up when you are ready.
This is a very much needed book in today's world and is helpful for so many different women and traumas, depression or anxieties in life.
January 18, 2021
This was a good experience for me, the approach that Janina Scarlet takes in her "Superhero Therapy" helps to empower women from all types of different backgrounds and I personally felt really well represented in my mental health struggle, The superwomen that you meet in this book are all really likeable, yet it's clear they're flawed like everyone else.
August 15, 2021
This was a really great approach to therapy, and I liked that while most would think the superhero would only apply to counseling children, but makes so much sense in dealing with adults as well. I also really liked the way it included the reader in the group therapy practices.
January 27, 2021
Not being a mother, I couldn't relate to *some* of these; however, on the spectrum of who I am, I can. It helps empower you as a woman, empower your past, and see a future that is bright and not "traumatic." It was beautifully written and narrated, and handled with care. With topics such as this, it is important to handle them with care and empathy. I think Super-Women: Superhero Therapy for Women Battling Anxiety, Depression, and Trauma by Janina Scarlet did an incredible job doing just that. Again, this is more of a personal book as it resonates with you then you should read it. It resonated with me and what I have gone through, so I needed it. I found comfort in it.
October 30, 2021
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DISCLAIMER : Thank you, Netgalley and New Harbinger Publications for providing me with an ARC of this book.
Super-Women by Janina Scarlet is a self-help book for women who are trying to overcome their anxiety, trauma, and depression. The struggle is real for most women and the constant battle to overcome these emotions is not an easy job. Janina Scarlet has crafted a Superhero therapy that is focused on providing women with the necessary tools to combat the resurfacing issues. Using the different tools, you will learn to explore the different emotions and experiences. You are taught to process them and accept them by using self-compassion and mindfulness. The technique involves as the name suggests building your own Superhero story. You re-write your own origin story and find your purpose and make it into your superpower through the different strategies and exercises provided in the book.
This was group therapy in a nutshell and you will be transported into a room of 7 women from different walks of life coming together to deal with their mental health battles. The book dives into the different women’s lives as they contribute their stories. The author gives responses to each of their experiences and talks through things that make them handle it better. With each truth that comes out, we get to see and learn about strategies and exercises to solve the underlying issues. The solutions are again simple and straightforward.
Overall, I believe this is a great resource for people who are looking for help or are interested in learning the necessary tools to get better and combat issues that are holding you back from letting you live your life fully and freely. I gave the book 4.5 stars and highly recommend checking this one out. If you love self-help books, add this to your collection as there are valuable gems in it that will make your life easier and simpler.
SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL : YOUTUBE
FOLLOW ME ON : TWITTER INSTAGRAM
FR REVIEW :
DISCLAIMER : Thank you, Netgalley and New Harbinger Publications for providing me with an ARC of this book.
Super-Women by Janina Scarlet is a self-help book for women who are trying to overcome their anxiety, trauma, and depression. The struggle is real for most women and the constant battle to overcome these emotions is not an easy job. Janina Scarlet has crafted a Superhero therapy that is focused on providing women with the necessary tools to combat the resurfacing issues. Using the different tools, you will learn to explore the different emotions and experiences. You are taught to process them and accept them by using self-compassion and mindfulness. The technique involves as the name suggests building your own Superhero story. You re-write your own origin story and find your purpose and make it into your superpower through the different strategies and exercises provided in the book.
This was group therapy in a nutshell and you will be transported into a room of 7 women from different walks of life coming together to deal with their mental health battles. The book dives into the different women’s lives as they contribute their stories. The author gives responses to each of their experiences and talks through things that make them handle it better. With each truth that comes out, we get to see and learn about strategies and exercises to solve the underlying issues. The solutions are again simple and straightforward.
Overall, I believe this is a great resource for people who are looking for help or are interested in learning the necessary tools to get better and combat issues that are holding you back from letting you live your life fully and freely. I gave the book 4.5 stars and highly recommend checking this one out. If you love self-help books, add this to your collection as there are valuable gems in it that will make your life easier and simpler.
December 31, 2020
This book was received as an ARC from New Harbinger Publications, Inc. in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
It was refreshing to read this book. If there is anything I got out of this book is that life will throw you massive curveballs and hard punches but you have the strength within you to roll with the punches and knock it out of the park but, it's up to you to find it. I loved reading all of the personal stories and the hardships each woman shared. A lot tugged at my heartstrings and some I can relate to. This book needs to be on every bookshelf, library collection, and classroom to empower us to live the life we were meant to live.
We will consider adding this title to our Self-Help collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
It was refreshing to read this book. If there is anything I got out of this book is that life will throw you massive curveballs and hard punches but you have the strength within you to roll with the punches and knock it out of the park but, it's up to you to find it. I loved reading all of the personal stories and the hardships each woman shared. A lot tugged at my heartstrings and some I can relate to. This book needs to be on every bookshelf, library collection, and classroom to empower us to live the life we were meant to live.
We will consider adding this title to our Self-Help collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
March 31, 2021
TL;DR -- Well-intentioned, inclusive book for self-identifying young women to help them process trauma and recognize their "Super-Women" status that misses the mark.
As someone who has worked through their trauma and has previously served as a counselor, social worker and "dating expert', I had high hopes for this book as one I could wholeheartedly recommend to my readers and clients.
Sadly, I couldn't get past the first page (poem) without feeling off. It didn't get any better for me a few pages in, and I chose not to finish it after a few chapters.
It's not that the book triggered me - although it might feel triggering for some. I'd recommend some warnings on the first page, not a dozen or so pages in as it is now.
I'll start with the poem, written as if to speak for women and their experiences about being a woman. I found it unnecessarily dramatic, similar to the poetry I wrote in my early teens (when my experiences of trauma and abuse began).
As an example, here's a piece that felt particularly unsettling for me:
"It means being told that sex is an obligation / To be had without any destestation".
Now, I don't know about anyone else reading this review, so speaking only for myself - this is not what being a woman means to me, nor is it my experience.
After several dozen sentences that similarly irked me, I didn't feel great jumping into the meat of the book.
The introduction felt equally dramatic, written in a narrative nonfiction style that normally I love, but in this case felt forced and, again, unnecessarily dramatic. Again, I quote:
"Through hauntingly quiet tears, I had just resolutely told _____ that the pain was too much".
Perhaps it's the editing style, I'm unsure, but it felt forced and inauthentic, like the author was trying to invoke the emotions through powerful language when the topic itself is powerful enough. Or, maybe I'm being nitpicky.... but I don't think so.
After having read and reviewed thousands (and I do mean thousands) of books about and around this topic for the last two decades, this is one I cannot recommend even though I recognize the intentions were honorable (and let's face it, needed).
Now, I will admit once the author took over (in Chapter One) the tone and feel of the book changed. Simpler language and a direct, compassionate understanding filled the pages instead. Still, I had the sour taste in my mouth from the opening poem and introduction, and it didn't wash out of my mind easily. I also felt the book needed a powerful editor to better massage the content into a jewel.
Finally, I have a personal and professional issue with books that purport to replace or otherwise circumvent the need for therapy. Many of the topics shared in this book are challenging, triggering, and downright terrible. That part's okay, and I understand the need for a stepping stone, or as the author calls it, a "sanctuary".
Still, there is no mention of getting therapy or speaking with a trained professional, other than in the author's contextual and other people's experiences. There's no "Hey, if this gets to be too much, please seek a professional that can support and guide you through this process, and here are some ways to do that no matter your age, location or circumstance".
As someone who has worked through their trauma and has previously served as a counselor, social worker and "dating expert', I had high hopes for this book as one I could wholeheartedly recommend to my readers and clients.
Sadly, I couldn't get past the first page (poem) without feeling off. It didn't get any better for me a few pages in, and I chose not to finish it after a few chapters.
It's not that the book triggered me - although it might feel triggering for some. I'd recommend some warnings on the first page, not a dozen or so pages in as it is now.
I'll start with the poem, written as if to speak for women and their experiences about being a woman. I found it unnecessarily dramatic, similar to the poetry I wrote in my early teens (when my experiences of trauma and abuse began).
As an example, here's a piece that felt particularly unsettling for me:
"It means being told that sex is an obligation / To be had without any destestation".
Now, I don't know about anyone else reading this review, so speaking only for myself - this is not what being a woman means to me, nor is it my experience.
After several dozen sentences that similarly irked me, I didn't feel great jumping into the meat of the book.
The introduction felt equally dramatic, written in a narrative nonfiction style that normally I love, but in this case felt forced and, again, unnecessarily dramatic. Again, I quote:
"Through hauntingly quiet tears, I had just resolutely told _____ that the pain was too much".
Perhaps it's the editing style, I'm unsure, but it felt forced and inauthentic, like the author was trying to invoke the emotions through powerful language when the topic itself is powerful enough. Or, maybe I'm being nitpicky.... but I don't think so.
After having read and reviewed thousands (and I do mean thousands) of books about and around this topic for the last two decades, this is one I cannot recommend even though I recognize the intentions were honorable (and let's face it, needed).
Now, I will admit once the author took over (in Chapter One) the tone and feel of the book changed. Simpler language and a direct, compassionate understanding filled the pages instead. Still, I had the sour taste in my mouth from the opening poem and introduction, and it didn't wash out of my mind easily. I also felt the book needed a powerful editor to better massage the content into a jewel.
Finally, I have a personal and professional issue with books that purport to replace or otherwise circumvent the need for therapy. Many of the topics shared in this book are challenging, triggering, and downright terrible. That part's okay, and I understand the need for a stepping stone, or as the author calls it, a "sanctuary".
Still, there is no mention of getting therapy or speaking with a trained professional, other than in the author's contextual and other people's experiences. There's no "Hey, if this gets to be too much, please seek a professional that can support and guide you through this process, and here are some ways to do that no matter your age, location or circumstance".
October 6, 2021
Pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this book. It was a quick and easy read. The writer uses the setting of group therapy with 7 women, coming from all different cultures, sexual orientation, sexual identities, and shapes and sizes, who have experienced trauma as a way to showcase the information. I really enjoyed this different way of educating the readers, so it’s not dry and boring, but interactive and really actually makes you feel like you are in group therapy. A good balance to learn the j formation in a way to apply it to the self and remember it going forward.
Of course I thought this book would be more about possibly using the super woman pose as a technique and maybe other things of the like. Superwoman pose is about standing in super person stance, opening up your body, head held high, arms on hips, opening up the nervous system. This works to trick the brain into confidence and general feeling better. But this book is about using the analogy of being a super woman and how to break down trauma to see what powers one possesses.
Overall useful tools.
Of course I thought this book would be more about possibly using the super woman pose as a technique and maybe other things of the like. Superwoman pose is about standing in super person stance, opening up your body, head held high, arms on hips, opening up the nervous system. This works to trick the brain into confidence and general feeling better. But this book is about using the analogy of being a super woman and how to break down trauma to see what powers one possesses.
Overall useful tools.
January 25, 2022
This is an interesting idea for a therapeutic book. The book reads as if you are sitting in a group therapy session, and the other characters and the therapist interact with you. You are asked to "respond" to the group sessions, and there are journal prompts provided throughout the book as well as an activity at the end of each chapter. Kind of a cool idea-- and I could see it being useful in a therapeutic book club or introduction to group work.
The book functions as an introduction to the therapeutic process, highlighting concepts such as shame resilience, coping mechanisms, identifying automatic thoughts vs feelings, function of emotions, etc. The therapeutic process used in this book is called "Superhero Therapy" which seems to me like a form of narrative therapy using superheros as a metaphor for your "origin story" and "strengths", but the book also relies on ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) and some CBT.
The book functions as an introduction to the therapeutic process, highlighting concepts such as shame resilience, coping mechanisms, identifying automatic thoughts vs feelings, function of emotions, etc. The therapeutic process used in this book is called "Superhero Therapy" which seems to me like a form of narrative therapy using superheros as a metaphor for your "origin story" and "strengths", but the book also relies on ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) and some CBT.
May 4, 2021
I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review. These are my own own thoughts.
As someone who was shown the not so great therapy in my life for years, I was quite unsure how to go into the book. From the first page to the last, not once did I feel as if I was wrong. Getting to meet everyone, listen to their stories and with the interactive parts, I almost felt as if I was there and I was being listened too. I never realized how much I had run from my own dragons and demons until I sat down and went through chapter by Chapter.
I would recommend everyone to read this, and as a Non Binary person I had not once felt out of place. Meeting everyone, listening to their stories, and reading the inserts from other people in the book, allowed me to face my own dragons. I truly enjoyed the experience, and seeing the methods was truly an eye opener.
As someone who was shown the not so great therapy in my life for years, I was quite unsure how to go into the book. From the first page to the last, not once did I feel as if I was wrong. Getting to meet everyone, listen to their stories and with the interactive parts, I almost felt as if I was there and I was being listened too. I never realized how much I had run from my own dragons and demons until I sat down and went through chapter by Chapter.
I would recommend everyone to read this, and as a Non Binary person I had not once felt out of place. Meeting everyone, listening to their stories, and reading the inserts from other people in the book, allowed me to face my own dragons. I truly enjoyed the experience, and seeing the methods was truly an eye opener.
March 21, 2021
**ARC**
A unique way for coming to terms with therapy. This book primarily deals with women who are working on overcoming depression and sexual assault in a creative manner. This is good for teens and young adults who are all into the superhero movement. It allows for creativity as well as personifying yourself into someone stronger and separate from your issues. It breaks down each step and why it works before giving an exercise to try. I do find this an extremely creative way to go about therapy and believe that it would work for young people but not so much for adults or problems that have been left to fester. The writing is clear and concise and it does allow for a new perspective but it would all depend on the reader and issues for it to be the perfect book or method for someone.
A unique way for coming to terms with therapy. This book primarily deals with women who are working on overcoming depression and sexual assault in a creative manner. This is good for teens and young adults who are all into the superhero movement. It allows for creativity as well as personifying yourself into someone stronger and separate from your issues. It breaks down each step and why it works before giving an exercise to try. I do find this an extremely creative way to go about therapy and believe that it would work for young people but not so much for adults or problems that have been left to fester. The writing is clear and concise and it does allow for a new perspective but it would all depend on the reader and issues for it to be the perfect book or method for someone.
March 19, 2021
There are a lot of books out there on recovering from trauma. This is a good one to have in the library of counselors who work with people who've experienced trauma as an alternative to the traditional self-help books. Some people might connect with the super-woman theme, while others will not. Something quite different from other self-help books for trauma was the idea of a "group" of women going through the book/journey with you. Explanations and exercises seemed appropriate as was the disclaimer to go at your own pace and trust your instincts about whether any particular exercise was appropriate for you or not.
March 24, 2021
I received an electronic ARC from New Harbinger Publications, Inc. through NetGalley.
A support book written by a superhero therapist. Scarlet sets her book as a support group where the reader is also a member encouraged to share her story and work through the exercises as the women in the book do. The book focuses on anxieties and abuse (of all sorts) survivors. Written in a relaxed style with continual check ins for the reader to take breaks and participate as much or little as she chooses. This is one designed for specific needs/healing and balances support with encouragement for growth.
A support book written by a superhero therapist. Scarlet sets her book as a support group where the reader is also a member encouraged to share her story and work through the exercises as the women in the book do. The book focuses on anxieties and abuse (of all sorts) survivors. Written in a relaxed style with continual check ins for the reader to take breaks and participate as much or little as she chooses. This is one designed for specific needs/healing and balances support with encouragement for growth.
September 6, 2021
As a counselor/social worker and support group facilitator myself, I can attest this book provides great self-help techniques in a reader-friendly manner.
As a fangirl of Dr. Janina Scarlet, I love the way she incorporates super-hero therapy techniques with IRL challenges. In this book, Dr. Scarlet helps you create a “sanctuary” to reflect and learn empowering coping-skills.
I was expecting to read this book in a counseling professional mindset and found myself inspired and empowered!
As a fangirl of Dr. Janina Scarlet, I love the way she incorporates super-hero therapy techniques with IRL challenges. In this book, Dr. Scarlet helps you create a “sanctuary” to reflect and learn empowering coping-skills.
I was expecting to read this book in a counseling professional mindset and found myself inspired and empowered!
April 29, 2023
I struggle with self-help books in general, and they almost never receive high ratings from me. However, this book is based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) which my therapist uses, so I wanted to give it a try. Also, it is inclusive and LGBT+ friendly which is great to see!
January 11, 2022
It is uniquely written, but none of the information was new to me. This book may be of help if you have never done CBT or attended group therapy.
April 11, 2022
It feels uncomfortable. Like something’s slightly off.
May 22, 2022
Brilliant book. Has helped me greatly in understanding my own thought patterns and how my mental health has been affected over the years.
August 28, 2022
3.5 stars maybe
February 23, 2023
The best self help/therapy book I have ever read. I did all the exercises and spent a great deal of time crying and finding my superhero purpose.
March 13, 2023
I’d recommend for my adult clients! I enjoyed it for myself as well and liked the friendly, conversational approach.
May 12, 2024
really enjoyed this, complemented the CBT skills I have learned throughout my time
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews