Therapy for People Pleasing & Boundaries.
You’re kind and dependable-so why are you so exhausted?
Do you feel like you’re always walking on eggshells to keep others happy? I help adults who struggle with people pleasing and chronic self-doubt set boundaries and trust their own voice—so they can feel more grounded and confident in their choices, without sacrificing their relationships or peace of mind.
Why Do We People Please?
People pleasing is often a survival strategy. It may come from early experiences where love felt conditional, or where conflict felt dangerous. Over time, it becomes a pattern rooted in:
Fear of rejection or abandonment
Fear of disappointing others
A desire to feel needed or accepted
Anxiety around conflict
A belief that your needs don’t matter as much
Signs You May Be Struggling with Boundaries
You may notice you:
Rarely say no, even when overwhelmed.
Undermine your own needs or values.
Constantly seek validation or reassurance.
Avoid conflict at all costs.
Worry excessively about what others think.
Feel invisible or resentful in your relationships.
These are not personality flaws—they're signs of unclear or missing boundaries.
People Pleasing and Boundaries Go Hand in Hand
Boundaries are not walls—they’re the space where you can honor your needs while staying in connection with others. Without them, people pleasing becomes your default, and you lose touch with who you are.
Talking about boundaries in therapy helps you show up honestly in your life—without guilt, without fear.
“Boundaries are the distance at which I can love you and me simultaneously.”
How I Help Clients Break the People-Pleasing Cycle
Using evidence-based therapy approaches like CBT, mindfulness, and self-compassion work, I help clients:
Understand the root of their approval-seeking behavior.
Reconnect with their own needs and values.
Set boundaries with less guilt and more clarity.
Learn to tolerate discomfort in assertive communication.
Feel more grounded, confident, and authentic.
Maybe you’ve spent years trying to be the “easy one”—the one who doesn’t make waves, who keeps everyone else happy. You smile when you’re hurt. You apologize even when you’re not sure why. And when it’s time to make a decision about your own life, you freeze, wondering, “What if I choose wrong?” Or you hear that familiar voice in your head saying, “Don’t be selfish.”
Our work together is a chance to pause and ask, What do I really need? It’s a space where you don’t have to pretend or perform. We’ll explore where these patterns began and help you reconnect with your voice, your boundaries, and the part of you that’s been quietly asking for more. As that connection deepens, things begin to shift—decisions feel clearer, relationships become more balanced, and you start showing up in your life in a way that feels honest, grounded, and fully your own
A Helpful Reframe
Being nice comes from kindness. People pleasing comes from fear.
Therapy helps you know the difference—so you can choose connection over compliance.
You’re allowed to take up space. Your needs matter.
You can be compassionate and have boundaries. You can say no and still be a good person.
Let’s work together to help you reclaim your voice, your values, and your peace of mind.