Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who are the characters?
A: Characters that represent emotions. The inUpowers are characters designed to represent certain states of mind. The inUpowers are all proactive mind frames and personal strengths, represented by body organs that everyone has. There are also the “In the ways,” or “storms,” which are reactive mind frames (behaviors, feelings, and thoughts).
Q: How are these materials supposed to help me develop a happier lifestyle?
A: At inUpowers, we believe that emotions are information, and behavior is a choice. Emotions are not good or bad, and the inUpowerment cycle is meant to teach people how to acknowledge their feelings, make decisions based on them, and then let them go.
Q: Are the AI interactable safe for children?
A: Absolutely! Not only are they designed with children in mind, but each character’s AI has been rigorously tested to minimize the risks involved. This includes not just making sure they provide healthy support and foster human connection, but also ensuring they are protected by community guidelines that define what falls outside the scope of what AIs are meant to do. When dealing with certain serious topics, the AI is programmed not to engage with or involve a human to handle them instead.
Q: What is the inUpowerment cycle and how does it work?
A: The inUpowerment cycle is a process outlining the steps for processing difficult emotions in a healthy way. The 5 steps are Thoughts, Feelings, Moments, Choice, and Accountability. The process is meant to help you identify and acknowledge your emotions, then take healthy actions. This cycle promotes a balance in which emotions aren’t ignored, suppressed, or given control over decision-making.
Q: What are the “U powers”?
A: U powers are our characters that are body organs that represent proactive emotions and inner strengths. Each U-power is meant to signify a positive perspective and to teach you that you have power because you exist. Helping you rely on your strengths to confront emotional challenges in healthy, conscientious ways. Core values essential to each of these ideals are represented by “gold.” The abilities they represent are innate human characteristics that everyone can depend on.
Q: What are the “storms”?
A: Storms are characters representing reactive emotions. Their behavior and attitude mirror how people feel and act when facing certain struggles. As in real life, each storm that acts impulsively and reactively creates problems for those around them, leaving a unique “footprint” that differs for each storm.
Q: Who is the inUpowers program for?
A: Everyone who deals with emotions that seem hard to handle sometimes. That includes people having emotional challenges, people who know people having emotional challenges, people who feel neglected, people who feel overwhelmed, people going through trauma, people who have gone through trauma, and pretty much everyone else.
Q: What is the purpose of characters like WAM and U-BE?
A: The characters show the difference between a healthy and destructive choice made by emotion. With the details about the characters, they can give you tools to take accountability. Each character is meant to represent a particular way of thinking in a memorable way, making them easier to identify. Certain character features, such as gloves, glasses, shoes, and more, serve as metaphors for the important details about the corresponding mindframe, feelings, and behaviors.
Q: Who makes the inUpowers workbooks and materials?
A: Nearly everything in our workbooks and published materials is created by mental health professionals and professional curriculum designers. The few exceptions are still created by the inUpowers team and are carefully reviewed.
Q: What is the philosophy or mission of the inUpowers program?
A: We believe that we can help the mental health of our human family by giving a name and face to emotion.
Q: Is this program a replacement for therapy or clinical help?
A: No. While it can definitely help with some problems, our program isn’t designed to fully replace professional help, especially in the case of a serious emotional crisis.
Q: Can I use the program in addition to professional treatment?
A: Yes! Some of our materials are even specifically designed to work alongside therapy or other treatments for mental health struggles.
Q: Can the inUpowers program cure depression and/or anxiety?
A: Not exactly. Applying the inUpowerment cycle can’t change the emotions you feel, but it equips you to handle them better. It won’t make things like depression or anxiety go away, especially if it stems from something physiological, but it can teach you how to handle the challenges that come from them.
Q: I don’t have any mental illness, so why should I care?
A: The inUpowers program isn’t just for people with mental struggles. It’s for anyone with emotions. Not only does it help you process your feelings, but it also helps you understand the feelings of the people you love, and just the people you come in contact with. Practicing the principles taught in the inUpowers program will help us all be better humans.