Therapy for High-Functioning Anxiety in San Francisco and online throughout California
Therapy for High-Functioning Anxiety
You’ve got a handle on things–but the ticket is anxiety, and the cost is your joy
You, in a nutshell:
You show up. You meet deadlines. You juggle demands. To everyone else, you seem capable, reliable, and composed. But inside, there’s worry, replayed conversations, and what-ifs that never shut off. Maybe you overprepare, double-check everything, or say yes to more even when you’re exhausted. You’re on edge, you can’t seem to take a deep breath, and your brain never shuts off.
Even if you’re surviving the demands of your life, anxiety like this can take a toll. Therapy can be a place to slow down, get curious, and experiment with different ways of being.
Sound familiar?
You overthink everything: you ruminate on past experiences, and worry about every possible worst case scenario
You have trouble relaxing–you feel more at ease when you keep busy and remain productive at all times
You agonize over decisions–even choosing a yogurt brand can be stressful
You have trouble saying no–you take on too much, leading you to feel overwhelmed and resentful
You criticize yourself readily and often, and allow compliments to roll off your back–you don’t fully believe they are true or deserved
You have difficulty sleeping, feel “on edge” in innocuous scenarios, and can’t seem to take a deep breath
How I Help
My approach is trauma-informed and influenced by mindfulness, parts work, and somatic therapy.
Here are some shifts we might work towards:
Increase mindful awareness of anxiety patterns: start to notice thought loops, restlessness in your body, or other feelings underneath your busyness so you can respond consciously rather than be swept away.
Acknowledge and work with critical parts: Get curious about your critical and over-functioning parts, understand their function, and begin to make space for more compassionate inner voices.
Set boundaries and prioritize rest: practice saying “no” when you need to and shift your mindset around the importance of rest.
Learn tools for calming your nervous system + mind: experiment with somatic practices, mindfulness, routines for self connection.
Redefine what success means to you: explore your core values, what feels meaningful vs what feels expected; choosing actions that honor your truth, not just the “shoulds”.
Shift your relationship with uncertainty & imperfection: shift how you handle mistakes, failure, and criticism; learn that your worth isn’t conditional.
This work isn’t about fighting your anxiety, but rather accepting it (and eventually generating more compassionate responses when it does arise).
“Without loving-kindness, staying in pain is just warfare.”
– Pema Chödrön
Starting Therapy is easy
01.
Get in touch by filling out this quick form here.
02.
We’ll schedule a time to chat and make sure we’re a great fit.
03.
Start therapy and begin to explore a new way of being.
Hi, I’m Annie
I like to show up prepared, execute things well, and achieve the goals I set. There is nothing inherently wrong with this, and I like this about myself. But there is also a shadow side to these traits that left me feeling anxious, internally conflicted, and ultimately exhausted. I understand this struggle from the inside out. If you’re at a point in your life where you’re ready for something different, I’ve got you. Let’s explore how you can continue to work toward your ambitions with more energy, a greater sense of groundedness, and a clearer, more aligned vision.