What Is Therapy for High-Achieving Women?

So what exactly is therapy for high-achieving women? It begins with my clients, who are predominantly women challenged by competing personal and professional responsibilities. Many would describe themselves as “high-achieving.” Others would say they are simply goal-oriented and organized. But they are smart, thoughtful, committed, ambitious and focused. From the outside, they seem to be living an ideal life. And for a while, this perception felt accurate. 

But recently, they have started to feel less confident. They have experienced a recent loss or setback that has shaken their core beliefs, causing them to question their life choices and identities. Their usual ways of dealing with stress—waiting for it to pass, exercising and eating healthy—no longer seem to be working anymore. In a search for solutions, they’ve read countless blog posts and listened to numerous podcasts but feel even more overwhelmed. They are beginning to worry they won’t be able to “keep it all together” or continue at the pace they’ve been going. They realize they have devoted significant amounts of time and energy to roles defined by their association with others—colleague, parent, partner, spouse—often at the expense of their own needs. They feel overwhelmed and exhausted.

The Needs of High-Achieving Women

My clients come to me because what they need most is to be seen, heard and understood. They want a greater sense of personal clarity. They are seeking an opportunity to know themselves—separate from their ambition and achievements. They have been working so hard to reach their goals that they realize some aspects of their lives may have been ignored or neglected, and they might need to course correct. They have a deep desire to walk toward the life they know they deserve. They just don’t know where to start or whom to trust. Often they have tried therapy before and found it unsatisfying or unhelpful—which has left them feeling even more discouraged. This is where I help.

Therapy for High-Achieving Women

In therapy sessions, I guide high-achieving clients through the process of unraveling years of old patterns that have served their purpose and are no longer as useful. We address the coping mechanisms of hypervigilance, overfunctioning, scarcity, workaholism and perfectionism. We process trauma. We learn to achieve in a sustainable and healthy way. We release judgments and limiting thinking. We identify and create healthy ways of connection. We become more comfortable in our bodies. We explore spiritual expressions and grounding. We do the work. And gradually, we peel back the layers and slowly introduce clients to their beautiful, whole, authentic selves.

Therapy for Women Professionals in Chicago - Charism Counseling Center Chicago
Therapy for Women Professionals in Chicago - Charism Counseling Center Chicago

What Is Therapy for High-Achieving Women?

So what exactly is therapy for high-achieving women? It begins with my clients. My clients are predominantly women, who are challenged by competing personal and professional responsibilities. Many would describe themselves as “high-achieving.” Others would say they are simply goal-oriented and organized. But they are smart, thoughtful, committed, ambitious and focused. From the outside, they seem to be living an ideal life. And for a while, this perception felt accurate. 

But recently, they have started to feel less confident. They have experienced a recent loss or setback that has shaken their core beliefs, causing them to question their life choices and identities. Their usual ways of dealing with stress—waiting for it to pass, exercising and eating healthy—no longer seem to be working anymore. In a search for solutions, they’ve read countless blog posts and listened to numerous podcasts but feel even more overwhelmed. They are beginning to worry they won’t be able to “keep it all together” or continue at the pace they’ve been going. They realize they have devoted significant amounts of time and energy to roles defined by their association with others—colleague, parent, partner, spouse—often at the expense of their own needs. They feel overwhelmed and exhausted.

The Needs of High-Achieving Women

My clients come to me because what they need most is to be seen, heard and understood. They want a greater sense of personal clarity. They are seeking an opportunity to know themselves—separate from their ambition and achievements. They have been working so hard to reach their goals that they realize some aspects of their lives may have been ignored or neglected, and they might need to course correct. They have a deep desire to walk toward the life they know they deserve. They just don’t know where to start or whom to trust. Often they have tried therapy before and found it unsatisfying or unhelpful—which has left them feeling even more discouraged. This is where I help.

Therapy for High-Achieving Women

In therapy sessions, I guide high-achieving clients through the process of unraveling years of old patterns that have served their purpose and are no longer as useful. We address the coping mechanisms of hypervigilance, overfunctioning, scarcity, workaholism and perfectionism. We process trauma. We learn to achieve in a sustainable and healthy way. We release judgments and limiting thinking. We identify and create healthy ways of connection. We become more comfortable in our bodies. We explore spiritual expressions and grounding. We do the work. And gradually, we peel back the layers and slowly introduce clients to their beautiful, whole, authentic selves.

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