Embody Your Inner Superhero and Claim Your Power

As a therapist in Tampa, I often sit with clients who struggle with anxiety and insecurities. We all have those days where self-doubt sets up camp in our minds, bringing its overfilled backpack of insecurities. But what if you could shift that energy by stepping into your superhero self?

A friend of mine’s son, when he was 4 years old, was quite shy. So, when he would go to the store, park, or anywhere his mother would let him, he would wear his blanket as a superhero cape. As soon as he would tie it around his neck, you could see a change in him. He stood taller, he puffed up his chest a bit, and had a confident look on his cute little face. He was then ready to face the world as his superhero self.

No, this doesn’t mean you have to pull up some tight spandex or strike a dramatic rooftop pose (unless that’s your thing—then go for it). It means embodying your favorite character who exudes power, grace, and confidence. Because here’s the thing: If something in you lights up when you see that character, it’s because that energy already lives in you.

Try These Power-Boosting Moves:

• Watch a superhero movie or show.
  Whether it’s Black Panther, Fleabag, or Stranger Things, tune in and tune into the character you resonate with. Ask yourself:

  • What’s their backstory?

  • What do they believe about themselves?

  • How do they carry themselves?

  • How do they handle fear?

  Now… imagine being them for a day. (Yes, even in Target.)

• Read a book with a powerful protagonist.
  Step into the shoes of someone fierce and brave. Whether it’s Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games) or Elizabeth Gilbert (Big Magic), absorb their energy.

• Soak in powerful art.
  Visit a gallery or museum where the art practically hums with energy. As art therapist Cathy Malchiodi reminds us, “Art is a witness to our inner world” (Malchiodi, 2012). Find the piece that speaks to the strongest version of you.

• Dance it out.
  Put on music that makes you feel like a rockstar, a virtuoso opera singer, a rapper hitting his/her bars, or a cowboy or girl riding his/her favorite horse. Movement is embodiment. Science backs this up as well—movement activates confidence centers in the brain (Koch et al., 2019).

• Talk to someone who sees your magic.
  Being reminded of your power by someone who gets you is medicine for the soul.

And then, here's the fun part: do the scary thing you've been avoiding.

• Start that conversation.

• Belt it out at karaoke.

• Apply for the job.

• Dance in the streets.

You’ve already got the courage—it’s just waiting for you to say, “Let’s go.”

Final Thought:

If something resonates with you deeply, it’s because that energy lives within you. You don’t need permission to feel powerful, brave, or bold. You just need a reminder.

This is your sign: channel that superhero and take one bold step today.

Need help connecting to your power?
Let’s talk. I’m here to support you.
👉 Reach out today

📚 References:

• Malchiodi, C. A. (2012). Art Therapy and Health Care. Guilford Press.

• Koch, S. C., Kunz, T., Lykou, S., & Cruz, R. (2019). Effects of dance movement therapy and dance on health-related psychological outcomes: A meta-analysis. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 41(1), 46-64.