You know how to get sh*t done.
Welcome to a space crafted just for you—ambitious, driven, and constantly striving for excellence. I understand the world of high-achievers, because I've lived it—All-American athlete, Ivy League graduate, multiple master’s degrees. I know the paradox of having an impressive resume while wrestling with an inner life that feels anything but accomplished.
From the outside, it looked like I had it all: a marriage to a wonderful man, a beautiful house in the burbs, an adorable Australian Shepherd, and a blossoming new career I loved. Yet, despite these external successes, I felt like a mere shell of myself—shut down, flat, unmotivated, as if moving through the motions on autopilot.
In a culture that champions working harder and doing more, the pursuit of success can feel never-ending. You've put in the hard work and achieved your goals, and yet, somehow, the satisfaction you expected remains elusive. Exhausted, burnt out, and chronically anxious, you can’t help but think that happiness is still somewhere “out there,” and if you just try hard enough, you’ll eventually find it.
But maybe you’re starting to realize that it’s not just about the external achievements; it's about the internal struggle against the weight of your own expectations. The pressure to excel becomes a silent companion, a constant whisper urging you to do more, be more. Yet, in the quiet moments, you may find yourself wondering if it's all worth it.
This might be you if…
Your life is run by a never-ending “To Do” list
You are chronically anxious and/or exhausted, and always feel like you’re not doing enough
It is hard for you to tolerate boredom or “doing nothing”
You find it difficult to savor the wins—the excitement and confidence you feel is short-lived (if lived at all), and you quickly start focusing on what’s next
You measure success using external metrics (salary, promotion, number of social media followers, awards) rather than how you feel
You research excessively before starting anything new
It often feels like you are just going through the motions vs. actively engaged in your day-to-day life
You find it difficult (or impossible) to say “no” to others
You find yourself fantasizing about running away to a remote location to just get away from it all
When friends or loved ones make comments like “You are my most put-together friend!” or “How do you do it all?!”, you feel a little resentful or like a fraud
You’re worried someone will “find out” that you don’t really know what you’re doing
You were made for more than hustle & survival, and that's where our journey together begins.
While I can't promise a perpetual feel-good experience (because, let's face it, life doesn't work that way), our work will guide you toward living a life in full, authentic color.
If you're tired of feeling tired and seeking more for your life, I'm here to help.
FINDING YOUR TRUE SELF
On paper, you "should" be content, but perhaps you often feel scared, alone, or like everything could unravel at any moment. Maybe you're living a life that looks ideal from the outside but doesn't fulfill you. Or perhaps you're struggling to peel back the layers and discover who you are beneath your roles and achievements. Let's identify your values and what really matters to YOU so you can live authentically and soothe that persistent self-doubt.
WORKING WITH YOUR INNER CRITIC
Perfectionism often sets standards so high that they become impossible to meet. In the quest to overcome this, we must get to know the ever-present inner critic driving your anxiety and restlessness. What messages did you internalize about what it takes to be worthy of love, safety, and belonging? What did you learn about success, money, and achievement? Together, we'll identify and challenge the voice that whispers doubt and sets unrealistic (and unrelenting) standards. We'll work on developing a kinder, more compassionate relationship with yourself. This shift is foundational in counteracting the harsh judgments of the inner critic and fostering a sense of inner warmth and acceptance.
IDENTIFYING NEW COPING SKILLS
Many high achievers adopt strategies like people-pleasing, poor boundaries, and over-working to help them fit in and find success…and, let’s be real, these strategies often work! But they also are a recipe for burnout, depression, anxiety, and a whole host of other issues. In our therapeutic work, we will delve into these patterns, understanding their roots and their impact on your well-being, and identify new ways you can show up in your life that are more sustainable (and more real!).
“People who comfortably accept who they are—both their flaws and their [strengths]—are healing, delightful, and fun to be around. Look at any work of nature: a canyon, a flower, a bird . . . Where does the perfection begin and the imperfection end? It's the combination that makes a perfect scene. So it is with you. ”
— Melody Beattie, Journey to the Heart
I’m here when you’re ready
Let’s connect on a free, 20-minute phone or video consultation to see if we might be a good fit. You can use the contact form below, or feel free to reach out to me directly:
erinkennedycounseling@gmail.com
(424) 248-5093