Anxiety Therapist in Chicago, IL – For People-Pleasers
If you often feel like an imposter—whether at work, at home, or in relationships—this is for you.
I see you trying to make time for yourself while also caring for others. I see you putting immense pressure on yourself to do more, be more—while simultaneously trying not to burden others with your problems. It's easy to dismiss your accomplishments, to downplay your achievements, to brush off the self-doubt that lingers.
As a Chicago anxiety therapist, I work with people who struggle with self-worth, constantly feeling like they need to prove themselves. It’s exhausting, isn’t it?
Where Does This Come From?
Many people-pleasers grew up in environments where love and approval felt conditional. Maybe you had critical parents, or you were constantly walking on eggshells to avoid conflict. You learned that being "good" meant being useful, agreeable, and never too much. As an anxiety therapist in Chicago, I understand how these experiences shape your adult life.
Now, as an adult, you hold yourself to impossibly high standards. You work hard. You say “yes” when you want to say “no.” You push yourself to succeed—not just for yourself, but to prove to others (or even yourself) that you’re worthy.
But no matter how much you do, it never quite feels like enough.
The Fear of Rejection and Loneliness
Maybe you've tried opening up to others—whether in friendships or relationships—but past experiences have made you wary. As an anxiety therapist in Chicago, I understand how people-pleasers often carry emotional scars from past rejection.
You’ve been hurt before. Someone you trusted “accepted” you, but later rejected you. That sting still lingers.
You hesitate to let people in. You wonder: Will this person stick around, or will they leave once they see the real me?
You’re always the giver. You check in on others, clean up their messes, worry about their well-being—but when you need support, no one seems to be there.
It’s hard not to feel resentful. It’s even harder not to wonder: Is it just better to be alone?
Breaking the Cycle
If you recognize yourself in these patterns, I want you to know: you are not broken. As an anxiety therapist in Chicago, I can help you understand that these behaviors—people-pleasing, perfectionism, and overachieving—are learned responses. They are your brain’s way of keeping you safe.
But safety isn’t the same as happiness.
Healing starts with:
✅ Recognizing your patterns. People-pleasing, perfectionism, and overachieving are coping strategies—not reflections of your worth.
✅ Challenging the inner critic. You don’t have to prove your value. You are already enough.
✅ Learning to receive. Letting others support you doesn’t make you weak—it makes you human.
You Deserve to Be Seen
Having someone in your corner—someone who expresses their pride in you—can make a difference. Not because their approval defines you, but because it reminds you that you matter.
And even if you struggle to believe it, the truth is: it’s the little wins that count. The way you show up for yourself. The way you keep going, even when it’s hard.
If this resonates, consider reaching out. As an anxiety therapist in Chicago, IL, I help people-pleasers, perfectionists, and those struggling with self-worth break free from these cycles. Therapy isn’t about “fixing” you—it’s about helping you finally put yourself first.
