Support for the Reliable One
High Achieving Women
I am Christina Thompson, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. I am licensed in Maryland and have been in practice for about 6 years. I offer telehealth for adults and couples located in Maryland. If you are here, your life likely looks very productive to others. You meet every deadline and manage many roles. Yet, you might feel like you are on a treadmill that never stops. I provide a grounded space where you can look at the weight of these responsibilities. My approach is relational and down to earth. I focus on who you are beneath your titles and your long list of accomplishments.
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The Weight Of Invisible Expectations
You are often the person others call when a problem needs a solution. Whether it is a project or a social crisis, you handle it. While you value being reliable, the pressure to keep this image can be tiring. You might spend time overthinking a small mistake or feel that you must be perfect to stay relevant. In our sessions, we look at where these rigid rules began. We explore how to hold your standards without feeling crushed by them. This process involves practicing how to be neutral when things do not go exactly as you planned during your day.
Observing The Mental Load
Living in your head is a common trait if you achieve at a high level. You are often planning three steps ahead and managing logistics for everyone. This mental loop makes it difficult to stay present during a meal or feel at ease on a Saturday. I use mindfulness based tools and CBT to help you notice these racing thoughts. We focus on practical ways to observe the inner critic that says you are falling behind. By slowing down, you can start to distinguish between what is truly important and what is simply extra noise in your mind.
Integrating Body Awareness
Physical tension often appears when you are busy. You might notice your shoulders are tight or you feel a certain heaviness in your chest. I incorporate somatic techniques into our work to help you notice these physical sensations. We do not just talk about your schedule; we practice noticing how your body responds to daily pressure. This involves simple movements and mindfulness. Understanding these physical cues allows you to stay present in the moment. Instead of ignoring discomfort, you learn to acknowledge what your body is communicating. This grounded approach helps you stay connected to your physical self throughout the week.
Practicing Limits And Boundaries
Saying no can feel like a failure when you are used to doing everything. You might worry that a limit will disappoint people or make you appear less capable to your peers. We work on the skills needed to protect your time and your energy. This involves practicing how to decline extra tasks or how to let someone else take the lead. Using DBT skills and Gottman concepts, we look at the balance between helping others and doing too much. You can be a high achiever and still have evenings where you choose to rest without any specific goal.
Practical Focus
What We Can Work On
- Exploring patterns of perfectionism and self criticism
- Noticing physical sensations related to daily stress
- Practicing boundary setting at work and home
- Identifying personal interests outside of productivity
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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.
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