Therapy for High-Functioning Anxiety and Perfectionism in San Diego
Online Across CA, FL, ID & SC
For the capable ones who are quietly exhausted
Are You Tired of Holding It All Together?
You're the one who gets it done. At work, at home, for your friends. People see someone calm and capable. What they don't see is how much it takes to keep that up, or how rarely your mind gets a break.
You might notice:
A constant hum of worry, even when things are going well
Holding yourself to standards you'd never expect of anyone else
Replaying mistakes long after everyone else has moved on
Trouble falling or staying asleep because your brain won't shut off
Difficulty relaxing without feeling guilty or unproductive
Reactions that feel bigger than the moment, tied to something from your past
Feeling alone in it, because on paper, everything looks fine
These aren't character flaws. They're patterns that once helped you cope and now cost more than they give. Therapy offers a confidential space to understand where they come from and learn a different way forward.
When High-Functioning Starts to Feel High-Cost
I help adults work through the patterns that keep them stuck in overdrive.
High-Functioning Anxiety
Looking composed while your mind races underneath. Learn to calm the constant worry without losing the drive that makes you good at what you do.
Perfectionism & Self-Criticism
When "good enough" never feels good enough. Loosen the grip of the inner critic and build a kinder, more realistic relationship with yourself.
Trauma & PTSD
Past experiences can keep shaping how you feel, react, and relate. Evidence-based trauma treatment helps you process what happened so it stops running the show.
Insomnia & Racing Thoughts
Stress often shows up at night. CBT-I is a short-term, research-backed approach that helps you sleep better without relying on medication.
Burnout & Overwhelm
Running on empty for too long takes a toll. Therapy helps you recognize your limits and rebuild energy in a sustainable way.
Life Transitions
Career changes, moves, new roles, and big decisions can stir up old patterns. Get support to move through change with more clarity and confidence.
How Therapy Can Help
Therapy helps you understand the connection between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and replace harsh self-talk with something steadier. Together, we'll slow down the patterns that keep you in overdrive and build tools you can use in real life.
As therapy continues, you may begin to notice:
A quieter mind and more restful sleep
Letting things be good enough without spiraling
Feeling less reactive and more in control
Enjoying downtime without guilt
Feeling more like yourself, not just the version everyone expects
What to Expect in Therapy
Starting therapy doesn't have to be complicated. The process is clear, collaborative, and paced to fit your life.
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A free 15-minute call to share what's been hardest, ask questions, and see if we're a good fit.
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We'll get clear on what's driving the anxiety, perfectionism, or trauma responses, and build a plan that fits your goals and schedule.
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We work through what you've been carrying, practice new tools, and track real progress over time.
What Progress Can Look Like
Progress often starts small: a night of good sleep, a mistake you let go of, a weekend that actually felt restful. Over time, those moments add up.
Progress might sound like:
“I don't have to earn my rest.”
“I made a mistake and moved on.”
“My mind feels quieter.”
“I finally feel like I can breathe.”
Why Clients Choose to Work With Me
With 20+ years of experience, I know that the people who seem to have it all together are often the ones carrying the most. I'm certified in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and trained in Prolonged Exposure (PE) and CBT for Insomnia, and I bring warmth and directness to every session.
You won't get vague advice or endless venting with no direction. You'll get a clear plan, honest feedback, and support that respects both your strengths and what you're struggling with.
Frequently Asked Questions
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It's anxiety that hides behind success. You may be productive, organized, and dependable while dealing with constant worry, overthinking, and pressure on the inside. It isn't a formal diagnosis, but it's a very real experience.
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No. Many of my clients are high-achieving women, and I also work with men who relate to this kind of pressure. I see adults in individual therapy only.
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I use Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure (PE) for trauma, CBT for Insomnia for sleep, and mindfulness, parts work, and self-compassion-based approaches for anxiety and perfectionism.
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I don't. I specialize in CPT and PE, which have some of the strongest research behind them for treating PTSD. I'm happy to talk through the differences during your consultation.
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It depends on what you need. For trauma, I use Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure (PE). For anxiety, perfectionism and self-criticism, I often use parts work, which is informed by Internal Family Systems (IFS), along with self-compassion practices. For sleep, I use CBT for Insomnia.
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Internal Family Systems (IFS) is an approach that sees your mind as having different "parts," like the inner critic or the part that keeps you busy so you don't have to feel. Instead of fighting those parts, we get curious about what they're trying to protect. "IFS-informed" means I've trained in IFS and bring its ideas and tools into our work.
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It depends on your goals. Many clients start weekly and adjust as they feel more steady. We'll decide on a pace together.
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No. I work with adults in individual therapy only.
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In person in San Diego and online through secure telehealth across California, Florida, Idaho, and South Carolina.
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Schedule your free 15-minute consultation online or by email.
Complete your intake paperwork.
Begin therapy with a plan built around you.
Ready to Stop Holding It All Together?
You don't have to keep doing this alone.
Therapy offers a confidential space to set down what you've been carrying and find a steadier way forward.