Specialties

Anxiety + Perfectionism

Therapy for girls, women and moms | In-person in Charlottesville, VA | Online counseling in Virginia

There has to be more than feeling this overwhelmed all the time...right?

You fear letting others down.
You hold yourself to impossibly high standards—because that’s just who you are. You’re used to showing up, staying strong, and doing your best in everything you do.

And while that drive may have served you well on the outside… on the inside, it’s exhausting.
Your inner critic is loud and relentless:
“You should have known better.”
“You’re not doing enough.”
“Everyone else seems to handle this just fine.”

Whether you’re a perfectionistic kid, a college student buried in expectations, or a mom who feels she can’t drop a single ball—this kind of pressure takes a toll. And if you’re being honest? You’re tired. You’ve tried. And nothing seems to help for long.

A woman with brown hair tied back with a white scrunchie, wearing a black floral top, looking into a mirror, with another woman in the background also wearing a floral top.

If you’ve ever thought:

“It’s all too much. I swear I’ve tried, but it’s not enough.”
“I’m worried about my child. They’re so hard on themselves. I wish they could see how awesome they are.”
“No matter what I try to do differently, I end up back in the same pattern.”

A circular design with a light beige background and floral decorations at the bottom right corner. The text reads, "Then you've found your place here."

- Difficulty relaxing or switching off
- Meltdowns over “small” things
- Procrastination driven by fear of not doing something perfectly
- Constant comparison or fear of failure
- Feeling like everything is riding on your performance
- High levels of anxiety, especially around school, work, or parenting
- Negative self-talk or shame when things don’t go as planned

- Feel more grounded, even when things aren’t perfect
- Quiet the inner critic and respond with self-compassion
- Let go of "all-or-nothing" thinking
- Know when “good enough” really is enough
- Celebrate progress, not just outcomes
- Rest without guilt

Decorative floral design with pink, yellow, and teal flowers and leaves on a black background.

How I Can Help

Through a warm, person-centered approach, I help girls and women understand the roots of their stress and perfectionism, develop tools to manage anxiety, and practice new, kinder ways of thinking and coping. Together, we’ll build awareness and gently untangle patterns that feel automatic or overwhelming.

This isn’t about pushing harder. It’s about learning a new way—one where you can feel calm, confident, and more like yourself again. I can meet you where you are, whether it’s online across Virginia or in person in Charlottesville, VA.

Here’s what that can look like:

Start by understanding your story—where the pressure comes from, what it’s been protecting you from, and what it’s costing you now
Name your inner critic—get specific about when it shows up, what it sounds like and why it gets so cruel in the moments it does
Build on what's already working—small real additions that actually fit your life, not an overhaul you’ll never sustain

I'm ready to feel like myself again

Common Questions About Therapy for Perfectionism and Anxiety

Can therapy really help with perfectionism?

1

Yes! It’s not about lowering your standards. It’s about understanding where the pressure is coming from and finding a way to do life that doesn’t cost you so much. Whether you’re a young woman figuring out who you are outside of achievement or a mom who’s exhausted from thinking about it all, you’re in the right place.

What does an anxiety therapy session look like?

2

We connect through what feels like a conversation; for younger girls, this is through play and shared activities. I’ll ask questions that help us figure out what’s driving the anxiety—not just symptoms on the surface. Sessions feel more like a real conversation than a checklist.

What does perfectionism look like in kids?

3

In girls, anxiety and perfectionism can often turn inwards. You might notice her not wanting to try new things, stomach aches before school, or shutting down completely when something goes wrong. Small mistakes can spiral fast into big feelings, shame, and thoughts like “everyone hates me” or “I am stupid.”

What about ADHD? Doesn’t that come up a lot with anxiety and perfectionism?

4

It’s very common working with girls and women that their anxiety is masking neurodiversity. I am neurodivergent myself and have worked with many girls and women who relate to or are diagnosed with ADHD. I help them identify and normalize how their brain works and find strategies that work with their brains, not against them.