Before we talk about me, let’s talk about you…
Growing up, you were the responsible one. Maybe it’s a role you chose, or maybe you did it because no one else would. Either way, being responsible became part of your identity.
You used it in school, getting good grades and gaining a reputation as a hard worker. You now bring this part of you to your career. And you used to find it fulfilling! Maybe it felt stressful, but you felt like a superhero, handling whatever your boss, co-workers, family, and friends needed.
But lately, you started to notice that it feels like too much. Maybe you’ve started having trouble sleeping. You’ve begun worrying constantly about how you’d get everything done. You even started falling behind on your to-do list.
Maybe you didn’t accept it at first. You’re not the type to let too much work get to you, so maybe you thought it was just a phase. Maybe you even took on even more work, to show yourself that you can still handle things. But it didn’t work, and now you feel even worse.
You feel angry at other people for demanding so much of you. You resent that they don’t see how overloaded you are.
You feel angry at yourself because you’re no longer getting the results you’re used to. Instead of feeling capable, you feel like a failure.
And for once, you’re not sure how to solve the problem.
How did I know all of that?
Because I’ve been there.
I know what it’s like to feel like everything is your job.
I know what it’s like to keep saying yes, even when you have no energy left.
I know what it’s like to feel terrified of letting everyone down.
I know what it’s like to feel trapped in your responsibilities, so that people will still think you’re nice.
And I want you to know that…
Change is possible!
How do I know that? Because I’ve lived it!
Guess what happens when you start saying no?
The world doesn’t end (even though you’re worried it will).
In fact, it feels like waking up to a NEW world.
A world in which you are worthy of having your limits respected. It’s not a privilege you have to earn.
A world in which you can say no and still be capable, trustworthy, and kind.
A world in which you embrace your responsibility to communicate your limits (because people won’t read your mind!)
A world in which people could earn your trust by respecting your limits.
A world in which you can step back from people who do not respect your limits.
You’re thinking, that sounds great! But what is she like as a therapist?
I genuinely care about my clients. With me, you’re not going to get a cold, reserved, blank-slate of a person. I’m always professional, and I also let you know that you’re seen and cared about.
I don’t think there’s something wrong with you. “But you don’t even know me yet!” True. And I still don’t think there’s something wrong with you. There are understandable reasons why setting limits feels hard for you. Part of our work will be about uncovering those reasons, so you can see that you make sense.
I make sure that we set goals and activities that feel right for you. No one-size-fits-all treatment for us!
We do things at your pace. I’m there to nudge you along, but not before you’re ready.
Be prepared to laugh. I take our work seriously, but I also find that a hearty laugh can do as much good as a good cry. The best way to explain it is: Will you cry during therapy? Maybe. Will you laugh during therapy? You bet!
Finally, here’s the nitty-gritty about me:
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), Maryland, License #LC10088
Master of Arts in Psychology, Counseling Psychology Concentration, Towson University, 2017
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, College of William and Mary, 2005