I specialize in working with high achievers who struggle with anxiety, perfectionism, people-pleasing, imposter syndrome, and a loud inner-critic. This looks different from person to person, but it might look like:

• excessive worry about assignments or projects, thinking you’ll do poorly or fail despite the evidence that it usually turns out ok

• excessive guilt or shame that you aren’t doing enough or being enough, worry that you will disappoint others or yourself

• difficulty saying no and taking on more work, staying up late fixing group work, and taking on more than you want to or more than you can handle

• difficulty asking for help and worrying about being a burden or letting other people down, feeling obligated to do the thing on your own to prove that you can to yourself or to others

• low self-esteem from not feeling good enough, from social pressures, from messages that you are too big, too small, too much, and not enough

• sadness and/or losing interests in the things that you used to enjoy, things that now feel like pressure or a disappointment

• lack of motivation and difficulty concentrating because you’re feeling uninterested, overwhelmed, unsure about where to start, or frustrated because it’s hard to keep up

• falling behind on work because you’re doing too much and don’t know how to say no or because big feelings like worry or anxiety are interrupting your work flow

• loneliness or isolation because of social anxiety and worry that you will say the wrong thing, embarrass yourself, or feel awkward

• self-criticism and internal thoughts that are really, really mean - thoughts that you’d never say to someone that you care about!

• people-pleasing because it feels mean to be assertive or wrong to have boundaries

• explosive anger that comes up unexpectedly because you have a limit to accepting whatever comes your way and being passive with friends, teachers, bosses, partners takes a toll on you

• internalized -isms that you hate but are still in your head about gender, race, sexuality, ability, body size, etc

• self-harm because these thoughts and feelings are overwhelming and sometimes cutting or doom scrolling on social media or thinking about ending your life is a way to move through the hurt

Nearly 20 years ago, I started working with college students and have worked my way from high school to middle school to elementary school simply because I am passionate about promoting mental health skills as early as possible. I also love working with the adults and professionals that support young people because when we are our best and healthiest selves, we show kids that the same is possible for them.

I support parents through the ups and downs of big emotions and school transitions, from the first day of kindergarten through college! I also support the emotional needs of parents who are juggling the extra challenges of raising a child with big emotions, learning differences, and special needs.