The fawn response often goes unseen—but it’s one of the most deeply ingrained survival strategies many of us carry. In this personal reflection, I explore how fawning shows up in perfectionism, people-pleasing, and emotional shape-shifting—and how real healing starts not with “fixing” ourselves, but by gently relating to the parts that tried to protect us.

Many of us learned to survive by being easy, agreeable, and low-maintenance. This is called the fawn response—a trauma response where we prioritize others’ needs over our own to stay safe. In this post, we explore what fawning is, why it shows up, and how we can begin to relate to it with compassion instead of shame.

Anger is often misunderstood, but it can be a powerful guide if we listen closely. Whether it’s simmering beneath the surface in family dynamics, romantic relationships, or at work, anger can point us toward what truly matters. Learn how to recognize where anger shows up in your life and how to process it in a healthy, constructive way.

Life can feel like a constant race, but taking a few minutes to practice intentional breathing can reset your nervous system and help you feel more grounded. Explore simple and powerful breathing techniques designed for busy women to reduce stress and restore calm—whenever you need it most.

Shame and perfectionism often go hand in hand for women with ADHD, making it difficult to trust ourselves and feel worthy beyond our productivity. This post explores how to self-soothe, reframe shame, and build self-compassion—so you can thrive without burning out.

Anger often gets a bad reputation in relationships, but it’s actually a powerful tool for deeper connection when understood and expressed intentionally. Learn how to navigate anger in a way that strengthens your relationships rather than pushing people away.

We often mistake peace for emptiness or fear, especially when we’ve only known urgency. Discover the difference between contentment and stagnation, and how embracing stillness can help you find the peace you’ve been searching for.

Anxiety is hard enough on its own—but adding shame creates a loop that keeps you stuck. Feeling ashamed of your anxiety only fuels it further. What if the issue isn’t anxiety itself, but how you relate to it? This post explores how nervous system regulation, self-compassion, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) can help you break free.

Ever thought, I have no reason to feel this anxious? Anxiety isn’t just about circumstances—it’s shaped by your nervous system and brain. When we stop justifying our anxiety and start understanding it, we move from self-judgment to self-compassion. This post breaks down the biology of anxiety and why your feelings are always valid.

Do you ever feel like you’re carrying the weight of the world, caught in a cycle of self-criticism, people-pleasing, and perfectionism? You’re not alone. Drawing on insights from Martha Sweezy’s Internal Family Systems Therapy for Shame and Guilt, this post breaks down the six acts of the shame cycle and explains how IFS therapy helps women heal.

Start 2025 with clarity, purpose, and self-compassion. Therapy for high-achieving women in Fort Collins, CO, to help you navigate life’s transitions, release perfectionism, and create a life aligned with who you truly are. Schedule your free consultation today.

Ever feel like you're always saying "yes" when you really want to say "no"? Discover the science behind people-pleasing and learn how to break free from old patterns. This post explores how IFS (Internal Family Systems) and nervous system science can help you understand your people-pleaser, set compassionate boundaries, and calm your nervous system for lasting change.