Therapy for People Pleasing
Are You Constantly Putting Others First, Even When It Hurts You?
Do you feel anxious or guilty when you try to say no? Are you always trying to keep the peace, avoid conflict, or make sure everyone else is okay—even if it means sacrificing your own needs? You might find yourself overthinking what others think of you, worrying about being liked, or feeling emotionally exhausted from trying to meet everyone’s expectations. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and there’s a path forward.
Why People Pleasing Develops—And Why It’s So Hard to Stop
People pleasing often begins as a survival strategy. It can develop in childhood or in relationships where love, safety, or approval felt conditional. Over time, this coping pattern becomes deeply rooted, shaping how you relate to yourself and others. While it may have once protected you, it can now lead to anxiety, resentment, disconnection, and a constant fear of not being “enough.”
Through Therapy for People Pleasing, I help clients uncover the emotional roots of their people-pleasing behaviors using trauma-informed, experiential, somatic approaches. These powerful approaches allow us to access the wounded parts of you that learned to prioritize others over yourself—and offer them the healing they need.
Whether you’re looking for anxiety therapy for people pleasing, or want to work with a therapist who truly understands these patterns, you’re in the right place. You deserve support that helps you reconnect with your authentic voice and reclaim your energy.
Many clients come to mental health therapy for people pleasing because they’re ready to stop living for everyone else and start living for themselves. The good news? You don’t have to keep doing it all alone. Healing begins with the first step—and it’s never too late to take it.
You’re Not Alone—People Pleasing Is More Common Than You Think
If you’ve spent years putting others first, struggling with boundaries, or feeling overwhelmed by guilt any time you advocate for yourself, it can be easy to believe something is wrong with you. But these patterns are incredibly common—and they often develop for very understandable reasons.
People pleasing is often rooted in early experiences where love, approval, or safety depended on being “good,” quiet, helpful, or agreeable. It can also develop in families where emotions weren’t safe to express, or in relationships marked by criticism, neglect, or control. Over time, you may have learned to disconnect from your own needs to stay connected to others.
Those with people-pleasing tendencies often deal with heightened levels of anxiety, perfectionism, and low self-worth. In fact, people who regularly suppress their needs to avoid conflict or rejection are more likely to experience symptoms of anxiety and depression . You might feel stuck in a cycle of overcommitting, second-guessing yourself, and feeling like no matter how much you do, it’s never quite enough.
Healing Is Possible—And You Deserve Support
As a therapist for people pleasing, I want you to know that these patterns are not your fault—they’re a response to what you’ve lived through. And while they may be common, they’re also deeply painful and exhausting.
The good news is that change is possible. With the right support—like therapy for people pleasing—you can begin to untangle these old patterns, reconnect with your true self, and build relationships that are rooted in authenticity, not obligation.
Taking the First Step
Learn to Set Boundaries Without Guilt and Reconnect With Your True Self
One of the biggest challenges people pleasers face is learning how to set healthy boundaries without feeling overwhelmed by guilt, fear, or shame. You may worry that saying no will make someone upset—or that speaking your truth means risking rejection or conflict. These fears can keep you stuck in patterns of over-giving, silence, or self-sacrifice. But it doesn’t have to stay that way. Through counseling for people pleasing, it’s possible to build a more authentic, empowered relationship with yourself and others.
My approach combines EMDR Therapy and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to help clients explore the root causes of people-pleasing behavior. Often, these patterns are tied to early relational wounds—times when it felt safer to be agreeable, invisible, or overly helpful. EMDR helps your brain reprocess those memories, so they no longer carry the same emotional intensity. IFS allows us to connect with the protective parts of you that learned to please in order to survive, and help them release the burdens they’ve carried for far too long.
In our sessions, we’ll go beyond surface-level strategies and work toward lasting change. We’ll talk about your history and how your current patterns are showing up in relationships, work, or day-to-day life. I’ll teach you practical skills to manage anxiety, recognize your limits, and express your needs clearly and compassionately. Whether you’re seeking anxiety therapy for people pleasing or want to feel more at ease in your relationships, we’ll tailor our work to meet your unique needs and pace.
As a counselor for people pleasing, I understand how deeply ingrained these habits can be—and how much courage it takes to change them. You may be so used to focusing on others that turning inward feels unfamiliar or even selfish. But learning to value your own needs is not selfish; it’s essential for healthy connection.
With over 10 years of experience as a therapist for people pleasing, I’ve supported countless clients in breaking free from perfectionism, chronic guilt, and emotional burnout. When you commit to the process, I truly believe healing is possible. If you’re ready to stop abandoning yourself and start building relationships based on mutual respect and authenticity, I’d be honored to help you take the next step. Whether you’re looking for mental health therapy for people pleasing or more compassionate ways of relating to yourself, you don’t have to do this alone.
Worried About Starting Therapy for People Pleasing? You’re Not Alone
Take the First Step Toward Putting Yourself First
Reaching out for support can feel like a big step—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation so you can ask questions, get a feel for how I work, and see if it feels like a good fit—no pressure, no commitment. If you’re curious about therapy for people pleasing, this is a gentle place to start.
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Therapy for People Pleasing Palm Beach Gardens
600 Sandtree Dr, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33403
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Therapy for People Pleasing Wellington
12773 Forest Hill Blvd Suite 213, Wellington, FL 33414
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