Therapy for People Pleasers in Northern Virginia
Counseling for people who say yes when they mean no, keep everyone else comfortable, and aren't sure what they want anymore. For those that only feel ok when everyone else is ok. In person options in Northern Virginia and secure tele-health across Virginia.
Takes about two minutes. No commitment. We reply within one business day.
People-pleasing often starts as a smart way to stay safe or loved, and it works, right up until you disappear inside it. People often come to counseling for:
Saying yes automatically, then feeling resentful or exhausted
Apologizing constantly, including for things that aren't yours
Replaying conversations to check whether anyone was upset
Feeling responsible for other people's moods
Not knowing what you actually want, prefer, or think
Avoiding conflict at almost any cost
Burnout from being the reliable one at work, at home, and with friends
Learning that "no" is a complete sentence, and surviving it
Counseling here is about understanding where the pattern came from, noticing it in real time, and practicing something different in small, low-stakes ways first. We work on boundaries, on tolerating other people's disappointment, and on reconnecting with your own preferences. The goal isn't to stop caring about people. It's to include yourself among the people you care about.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Kindness is a choice. People-pleasing is a reflex driven by fear of what happens if you don't. The difference is whether you could say no if you wanted to.
-
No. People who worry about that almost never do. The goal is balance, not a personality transplant.
-
transplant.
Is this related to anxiety? Often, yes. Many people work on both at once. Learn more about working with anxiety here.
-
20 minute consultations are free to ensure we are what you are looking for. Session rates vary by counselor, see their rates in their profiles linked below.
-
We’re out-of-network, and we provide superbills so you can request reimbursement from your insurance company. Reimbursement varies by plan, so ask your provider today what your out-of-network mental health benefits cover.
-
Collaborative, honest, and straightforward. We're here to guide the process, bring ideas to the table, and keep things moving. Click here or scroll down to learn more.
-
Right now! Reach out today by filling out the form below and we will contact you asap to set up your consultation.
-
Reach out today by filling out the form below and we will contact you asap to set up your consultation. We aim to respond quickly—usually within one business day.
How we work because your concerns and privacy matter.
We offer counseling grounded in approaches with research support, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills, and trauma-focused work such as EMDR, in a collaborative style. You set the pace. We don't push you to talk about anything before you're ready.
We know that for many people, not knowing where to start can prevent us from taking that uncomfortable first step. We are here to guide you like a helpful passenger in the car you are driving. We will provide insights and you decide if we keep going with it or shift elsewhere.
Your information stays private, and you choose how we contact you: call, text, email, or only a particular email address or time of day. We will not leave a message that mentions therapy unless you tell us it's OK.
We aren't a crisis service and we don't treat every concern. If we're not the right fit, we'll help you find someone who is.
Work with Us
Sydney Jenish, Resident in Counseling
Identity Issues
Over Thinkers
Self-Critics
Chronic Illness
Teens 14+
Evening and Weekend Availability
Karina Garcia, Resident in Counseling
Trauma-focused
Immigration
Intergenerational Culture Issues
Cultural Identity Issues
Domestic Violence
In English or Spanish
Blake McDonald, M.Ed.
People Pleasing
ADHD
Focusing
Emotional Regulation
Self Worth
In Person availability starting soon