Therapy for Those Who Do Too Much and Struggle to Say No
For Women in Seattle and across Washington State
You do everything right—but at what cost?
You’re the one people count on. The one who says yes when you want to say no. The one who works harder, shows up more, and pushes through exhaustion because slowing down feels like falling behind. You’ve built a life around being competent, capable, and reliable. But underneath it all, there’s a quiet exhaustion (and maybe resentment?) that doesn’t go away.
Maybe you feel like you’re always performing—at work, in friendships, in your family. You give so much to others that you don’t even know what you want anymore. And your relationships? They feel draining, one-sided, or unfulfilling. You’re tired of bending over backward for people who wouldn’t do the same for you.
If this sounds familiar, there’s nothing wrong with you—you’ve just spent years prioritizing everyone else at the expense of yourself.
The Hidden Cost of Doing It All
These patterns don’t come from nowhere. If you grew up with high expectations, emotionally unavailable caregivers, or a fear of disappointing people, you may have learned that being useful, agreeable, or high-achieving was the only way to be seen and valued. Over time, this becomes automatic: you work harder, meet everyone’s needs, and push your own aside without even realizing it.
What is the cost of these patterns?
You struggle to say no. Even when you want to, guilt keeps you from setting limits.
You feel like you have to earn rest. If you’re not being productive, you feel anxious or ashamed.
You fear disappointing others. You hold yourself to impossible standards—ones that keep shifting the second you meet them.
You feel disconnected from yourself. You’re so used to thinking about what others need that you don’t even know what you want.
You’re exhausted, but you don’t know how to stop. Even when you recognize the burnout, slowing down feels impossible.
And when it comes to relationships, they often feel like more work than they’re worth:
You’re the one who always reaches out, makes plans, or keeps things going. If you stopped putting in the effort, you’re not sure the relationship would survive.
You leave conversations feeling drained rather than supported. You give emotional labor freely, but it’s rarely reciprocated.
You struggle to express your needs. If you do, you’re afraid of coming off as demanding, difficult, or too much.
The truth is, being the “strong one” isn’t the same as being okay.
Therapy Can Help You Break Free From These Patterns
You don’t need another productivity hack or self-care tip—you need a different way of relating to yourself. Therapy can help you:
Recognize the unworkable patterns that keep you stuck.
Set boundaries that feel solid, not guilt-ridden.
Stop treating your worth as something you have to prove.
Shift from external validation to internal clarity.
Learn how to rest without shame.
This isn’t about becoming a different person. It’s about loosening the grip of expectations that were never yours to begin with.
Why Work With Me?
I don’t believe in quick fixes or forcing yourself into “self-care” that doesn’t actually help. I take a direct, compassionate approach that focuses on what actually creates positive change in your life.
We’ll look at the real barriers that keep you stuck, whether it’s fear of disapproval, guilt, or deeply ingrained beliefs about your worth. You’ll learn how to step out of these patterns, not by trying to control your thoughts or emotions, but by choosing actions that move you toward the relationships - and life - you want.
If you’re ready to stop running on empty, let’s talk. Reach out to schedule a consultation.
Let’s Work Together
Therapy is a place where you can step back from the expectations, pressure, and exhaustion and figure out what you actually want.
If you’re ready to break free from burnout and stop overgiving in relationships, I’d love to help. Click below to schedule a free consultation, and let’s talk about what working together could look like.
