Therapy for Perfectionists and People-Pleasers
Support for High-Functioning Anxiety, Burnout & Chronic Self-Doubt in Ohio
When Being the Strong One Starts to Feel Heavy
On the outside, you look capable. Responsible. Successful. You get things done. People rely on you. You hold it together.
But inside, it’s different.
There’s a constant pressure to do more, be better, get it right. Even when you’re exhausted, slowing down feels uncomfortable. Even when you’ve achieved something meaningful, it rarely feels like enough.
You may recognize yourself here:
Perfectionism that keeps you stuck or overworking
Difficulty setting boundaries without guilt
High-functioning anxiety that never fully turns off
Chronic self-doubt or imposter feelings
Overthinking decisions long after they’re made
Feeling responsible for other people’s emotions
Burnout from always being “the capable one”
You may not think of yourself as someone who needs therapy. You manage. You push through.
But managing isn’t the same as feeling at ease.
The Cost of Overfunctioning
Many of the adults I work with are thoughtful, driven, and deeply conscientious. They are often the ones others rely on, in their families, relationships, and professions.
Over time, that role can become heavy.
Saying no brings anxiety and guilt. Rest doesn’t feel restful. The inner critic rarely softens, even when you succeed. You hold yourself to standards you would never expect from anyone else.
And because you function so well on the outside, people may not realize how much effort it takes to maintain that image.
High-functioning anxiety and perfectionism can look impressive from the outside. Internally, they can feel relentless.
The Roots of Perfectionism & People-Pleasing
Perfectionism and people-pleasing are rarely random personality traits. Often, they began as intelligent adaptations.
At some point in your life, being the responsible one, the high-achieving one, the self-sufficient one, or the one who takes care of everyone else, may have helped you feel secure, valued, or connected. You learned how to anticipate needs. You learned how to perform well. You learned how to hold it together.
Those strategies may have served you beautifully for a long time (kept you safe even).
But what once protected you can eventually create chronic anxiety, burnout, and a quiet disconnection from your true self.
Therapy for perfectionists and people-pleasers is not about becoming less driven or less kind. It’s about understanding the deeper patterns underneath the pressure and helping your body and brain learn that your worth is not constantly on trial. That you are enough.
Do you want to finally feel “good enough”?
A Different Way of Relating to Yourself
In our work together, we move beyond simply managing symptoms.
We gently explore the emotional roots of over-responsibility, the patterns behind chronic tension and overthinking, and the origins of the inner critic that never seems satisfied. We look at why boundaries can feel threatening, and how to cultivate self-compassion without losing your ambition.
As insight deepens, something begins to shift. The anxiety softens. Decisions feel steadier. Boundaries become clearer and less guilt-ridden. Rest becomes more accessible.
Therapy for High-Achieving Adults in Columbus, Ohio
I work with thoughtful, driven adults who:
Excel professionally but feel insecure internally
Work in high-responsibility roles, including healthcare and helping professions
Tend to internalize their own needs while seeking external validation
Want to feel calmer, more grounded, and more connected to themselves
If you’re looking for therapy for perfectionism, support with people-pleasing, or help with high-functioning anxiety in Columbus, Ohio, our work will focus not just on coping, but on lasting change.
You don’t have to break to deserve support. You don’t have to burn out to justify slowing down. And you don’t have to keep proving your worth.
If this resonates, reach out to schedule a consultation. We can talk through what’s bringing you in and explore whether working together feels like a good fit.
You deserve a place where you don’t have to perform.
Starting therapy is easy
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1. Reach Out
Connect through the contact form on our website or directly via email or phone.
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2. Free Consultation
Meet with me for a complimentary consult to share what’s bringing you here, ask questions, get a feel for my approach, and see if working together feels like a good fit.
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3. Start Therapy
If it feels aligned, we’ll schedule your first intake session, in person or virtual, and begin building the support you’re looking for.