Empowering Women to Overcome Stress: A Counselor’s Guide

Women's Journal Staff

“The Lemonade Story,” an introduction to Stress-Relief for Women

Samantha Tubbs-Crews, the owner of Empoweredmindz LCC presents How To Kick The “S” Out of Stress! The Women’s Little Black Book for Strutting Out of Stress. This book offers a fresh perspective on managing stress tailored specifically for women. Samantha Tubbs-Crews, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with over 24 years in private practice, combines her wealth of experience with actionable advice to create an invaluable resource for women navigating the complex landscape of modern stressors. The book is designed to help women redefine their priorities, set boundaries, and navigate life with resilience and confidence.

Understanding the Challenges Faced by Women Today

Women face unique challenges that can often lead to overwhelming stress. The dual pressures of personal and professional responsibilities, combined with societal expectations, create an environment where self-care is easily neglected. Samantha Tubbs-Crews acknowledges these difficulties and provides a candid look at why many women struggle to prioritize their well-being without guilt. During her “Lemonade Story” in Chapter One of How To Kick The “S” Out of Stress!, Samantha shares how insurmountable stress in her own life motivated her to give herself some grace, utilize her support network to deal with her stress while turning obstacles into opportunities for growth and empowerment.

The Vision Behind the Book

Samantha wrote How To Kick The “S” Out of Stress! to empower women to take charge of their mental and emotional health. With over two decades in counseling, she observed recurring patterns among her clients: the pervasive impact of unfulfilled expectations and the struggle to maintain personal boundaries. Her approach emphasizes the importance of understanding that “sometimes you have to let others’ expectations of you… stay THEIR expectations of you!” This philosophy forms the backbone of her guidance, urging women to relinquish the pressure of meeting external demands at the expense of their own peace.

Key Insights from Samantha Tubbs-Crews

Samantha’s insights are grounded in real-world counseling experience. She identifies stressors that are often overlooked, such as emotional labor and the invisible load carried by women in their families and workplaces. According to her, the path to effective stress management begins with acknowledging these invisible burdens and making conscious choices to address them.

Her book lays out a step-by-step plan for readers to:

Recognize stress triggers and emotional drains.
Develop personalized boundaries to protect mental health.
Learn practical techniques for relaxation and self-care.

Each strategy is paired with relatable examples and simple practices that can be seamlessly integrated into daily routines. This practical guide appeals to women seeking a sustainable way to manage their stress while still fulfilling their roles and responsibilities.

Setting Boundaries Without Guilt

One of the core themes in How To Kick The “S” Out of Stress! is the idea of setting boundaries without feeling guilty. Women are often conditioned to prioritize the needs of others, which can lead to exhaustion and resentment. Samantha Tubbs-Crews encourages women to break free from this cycle by shifting their mindset. Through her advice, readers learn that maintaining personal boundaries is not selfish but essential for long-term well-being.

The book provides scripts and scenarios to help readers practice saying “no” and communicating their limits effectively. This empowers women to be proactive about their mental health and protects them from burnout.

Strategies for Prioritizing Well-being

Samantha has always emphasized actionable steps during her counseling sessions, and this book is no different. Samantha shares various techniques for prioritizing self-care, including:

Mindful journaling: Reflecting on daily achievements and identifying stress points.
Breathing exercises: Simple yet effective methods to manage acute stress.
Scheduling “me-time”: Treating self-care as an unmissable appointment, not an afterthought.

These practices underscore the belief that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity. By incorporating these tools, women can shift their focus from stress-reactive behaviors to preventive strategies that enhance their quality of life. Each chapter brings readers closer to understanding that personal well-being should be non-negotiable.

The Empowered Approach to Handling Stress

Samantha Tubbs-Crews believes that empowerment comes from knowledge and practical tools. Her book’s strategies include:

Time management tips: Prioritizing tasks and avoiding overcommitment.
Emotional check-ins: Techniques to recognize when stress levels are rising and how to act early.
Affirmations and positive reframing: Reinforcing a healthier mindset and self-belief.

These empowering methods encourage women to stay grounded and resilient even during challenging times.

The Legacy of Empoweredmindz LLC

Empoweredmindz LLC is more than a counseling practice—it is a movement aimed at equipping women with the tools needed for mental and emotional wellness. Samantha Tubbs-Crews has spent years advocating for this mission through public speaking and workshops. Her new book stands as a testament to her dedication, offering readers a roadmap that resonates with her counseling ethos: practical, empathetic, and transformative.

Taking Steps Toward Change

Women who read How To Kick The “S” Out of Stress! can expect not just to learn about stress management but to feel inspired to take meaningful action. Samantha Tubbs-Crews’s message is clear: change starts with a single, committed step. Whether it’s setting boundaries or choosing to let go of unrealistic expectations, each move brings a woman closer to a more balanced and empowered life.

Those interested in further guidance can connect with Samantha Tubbs-Crews and Empoweredmindz LLC through the following platforms: