Therapy for High Functioning Anxiety and Perfectionism
Do you ever feel like you’re juggling a hundred things, trying to keep everything in the air perfectly — but secretly worry that it’s all about to come crashing down?
Are you the person everyone relies on, but you’re constantly worried you’re not doing enough?
Does it seem like you’ve got it all together on the outside, but inside, you feel like you’re running on empty?
If this sounds familiar, you might be dealing with high functioning anxiety and perfectionism.
High functioning anxiety and perfectionism can make you feel like you’re always on edge, even if you’re excelling at work or managing all your responsibilities. It’s like living with a constant mental checklist — there’s always something more you could be doing, something you should be better at, and rest is just a distant dream.
What Is High Functioning Anxiety and Perfectionism?
High functioning anxiety isn’t a clinical diagnosis, but it describes a very real experience. It’s the kind of anxiety that propels you forward, making you super productive, but also leaves you feeling constantly stressed. And perfectionism? That’s the voice in your head telling you that “good enough” is never actually good enough — that if you’re not the best, you’re failing.
People with high functioning anxiety and perfectionism are often high achievers. They push themselves hard, set high standards, and appear calm and collected. But beneath that surface, they may feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or on the brink of burnout.
Signs You Might Be Struggling with High Functioning Anxiety and Perfectionism
It can be tough to recognize these patterns in yourself because they often look like being “on top of things.” But here are some signs to look out for:
Overthinking Everything: Do you replay conversations in your head or worry endlessly about making the "right" decision? Overthinking can become second nature.
Fear of Letting People Down: You might feel like you have to be perfect, so you never disappoint anyone — not at work, not in your relationships, not even with yourself.
Never Feeling Finished: Even when you complete a project or a task, do you feel like there’s something more you should have done? You might struggle to feel satisfied, no matter how hard you’ve worked.
Struggling to Slow Down: Does the idea of doing nothing make you anxious? Maybe you feel like you always need to be productive, that relaxing is somehow "wasting time."
Harsh Self-Criticism: Are you your own worst critic, constantly judging yourself for not being perfect enough or doing more?
Saying "Yes" When You Want to Say "No": You might agree to things you don’t have the time or energy for, just to keep up the appearance of having it all together.
Why Therapy for High Functioning Anxiety and Perfectionism Matters
It’s exhausting to feel like you’re always in a race you can’t win.
Therapy can help you break free from this cycle of pressure and self-doubt, allowing you to find a healthier, more balanced way to live.
What Therapy Can Offer:
Unpacking Your Patterns: Together, we’ll look at the roots of your anxiety and perfectionism. What beliefs are driving you? Where did they come from? And how can we challenge and change them?
Building a Kinder Relationship with Yourself: Let’s work on replacing that inner critic with a supportive voice. This isn’t about lowering your standards, but about being as kind to yourself as you are to others.
Learning to Manage Anxiety: I’ll help you find practical tools to manage your anxiety so that it doesn’t run your life. This could be mindfulness techniques, cognitive-behavioral strategies, or finding new ways to cope when things get tough.
Setting Boundaries and Expectations: It’s okay to set limits. Therapy can help you figure out what’s realistic, what you actually want, and how to communicate that to others.
Improving Your Relationships: When you’re less anxious and perfectionistic, you can show up more authentically in your relationships — at work, with friends, or with your family.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed at work, struggling to switch off at home, or simply tired of never feeling “good enough,” therapy can help you find a new way forward.
I invite you to schedule a free, 15-minute phone consultation to see if we would be a good match.