People-Pleasing is exhausting Wrestling with the urge to please others can lead you to say yes when you often want to say no. Whether it’s a boss who overlooks your limits or a partner whose disappointment feels unbearable, many people feel pressured to prioritize others’ happiness over their own. This tendency is rooted in a desire for approval, fear of
When you have medical anxiety, going to medical appointments can create dread and anticipation. You experience a pit in your stomach, racing thoughts, and muscle tension. The urge to cancel the doctor’s appointment becomes overwhelming. Despite trying to reason away the fear, you find the anxiety amplifies the more you try to overcome it. It’s not just about the appointment: it’s
Change is not easy to achieve. We are patterned humans, and it is more of a journey than a clear-cut path. As a therapist, one of the most rewarding aspects of my work is helping individuals navigate change. The new year offers a natural opportunity to reflect on where we’ve been and where we want to go. Resolutions can be
Your most common couple fight is likely causing you weekly or even daily stress. Arguing with your partner can feel repetitive… and they are. Every couple has a consistent pattern to their arguments. When you can understand your pattern, you’re well on your way to creating a new one. This post will help you understand your pattern – called a
All of us have behaviors that we unconsciously act out when we are worried. For example, if you are concerned about the state of affairs in the world, you might reach for a snack, which results in a distraction from your anxiety. Sometimes, our unconscious behaviors actually double our worry, like when we are concerned about getting a task completed
It’s post-election holiday season which means family gatherings have a special glow this year. Possibly the glow of rage and disappointment, or the glow of triumph and excitement. Either way, family members intermingling with contrasting glows can feel like potential for a major clash. Here are some pointers based on psychological theories about how to navigate spending time with family
People pleasing can feel like a constant emotional tug-of-war. It’s exhausting always putting others’ needs before your own, afraid that addressing your needs will lead to conflict or disappointment. You might agree to help out even when you’re already overwhelmed, or go out of your way to make others comfortable, only to be left feeling drained, resentful, and disconnected from
Trust is the foundation of all relationships. When partners trust each other, it builds safety in the relationship. Safety allows partners to express their emotions freely and allows each partner to know that they are not alone. When trust issues arise, they affect intimacy and closeness. Trust issues can stem from past experiences with previous relationships, attachment styles developed in
Procrastinating leaves you feeling frustrated, guilty, and stuck, especially when it becomes a pattern in your life. We all procrastinate sometimes, whether it’s putting off an important task, delaying a difficult conversation, or avoiding a responsibility we find overwhelming. But why do we put things off, even when we know it’s not helping us in the long run? This blogs
What is ADHD? Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a mental disability that is very common and has become increasingly treated and less taboo in recent years. It can impact both children and adults, interfering with development or functioning. ADHD symptoms often begin in childhood and can persist into adulthood. Struggling with ADHD with little support or treatment can contribute to negative