Maryland Telehealth for Adults
People Pleasing
I am Christina Thompson, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Maryland. With about 6 years in practice, I work with adults and couples across Maryland through a telehealth format. I focus on the patterns that emerge when you find it difficult to say no to others. Many people I see find themselves taking on extra tasks at work or saying yes to social invites when they are tired. My approach is warm and grounded, focusing on how we can look at these habits together. We can use our time to explore how you relate to those around you while keeping your own needs in view. I offer a free consultation through Alma and am available Monday to Friday.
Exploring The Habit Of Overcommitting
It is common to feel that saying yes is the only way to keep connections steady. You might find yourself agreeing to watch a neighbor's pet or staying late to finish a peer's report even when your own schedule is full. In our sessions, we look at the origins of these choices. We discuss the specific moments when you feel the urge to accommodate others at your own expense. Using tools from CBT and DBT, we examine the thoughts that arise when you consider setting a limit. My goal is to help you observe these patterns with curiosity rather than judgment as we work together.
Practicing Boundaries In Everyday Life
Learning to speak your truth involves practicing new ways of communicating. This might mean telling a family member you cannot host a holiday dinner or informing a friend that you are unavailable for a phone call. We use ACT to identify what you personally value so your schedule reflects your own priorities. We talk through the discomfort that often follows a new boundary. By looking at these interactions, you can begin to see how clear communication functions in your daily life. We focus on plain statements of your availability and capacity while maintaining a relational and kind tone during our telehealth meetings.
Noticing Physical Responses To Requests
When someone asks for a favor, your body often reacts before you speak. You might notice a tightness in your shoulders or a change in your breathing. As part of my mindfulness based and somatic approach, we pay attention to these physical cues during our sessions. Learning to pause and notice a clenched jaw or a heavy feeling in the chest can provide information about your true response to a request. This practice helps you stay present in the moment. By recognizing these sensations, you can take a beat to consider your answer rather than reacting automatically to please the other person.
Navigating Honesty In Your Relationships
Relationships often feel more balanced when both people can share their actual preferences. I use Gottman Method concepts to help you and your partner explore how to express needs without fear. If you have spent years agreeing to every suggestion, shifting to a more honest style of relating takes practice. We look at how to bring up your thoughts about finances, chores, or social plans in a direct way. We work on techniques for staying connected even when you have different opinions. This process is about exploring how to be yourself while remaining in a close relationship with the people you care about.
Practical Focus
What We Can Work On
- Identifying social pressure points
- Practicing direct communication skills
- Observing physical tension patterns
- Reviewing weekly time commitments
Keep Exploring
Related Pages
Your Next Step
Ready to put yourself on the list?
Start with a free consultation. Therapy is available by secure video for adults located in Maryland.
Book a Free Consultation