Holiday stress in blended families can feel extra intense in San Diego – warm December sunshine, December Nights in Balboa Park, holiday shopping at UTC or Fashion Valley, and the Hotel del Coronado lights can create beautiful memories and real overstimulation. Guest Post by Amy Anderson, LCSWAmy specializes in couples therapy for high-achieving blended families […]

Perfectionism vs high standards can look similar on the outside, especially for high achievers, but they feel very different on the inside. High standards are values-driven and flexible. Perfectionism is fear-driven and rigid, often showing up as overthinking, guilt when resting, and never fully feeling done. Perfectionism vs High Standards: A Simple Comparison High standards […]

Perfectionism in athletes is one of the most common — and most misunderstood — patterns I see in high-achieving competitors. Many athletes don’t use the word perfectionism, yet they describe it every day: “If I’m not first, I failed.”“I can’t make mistakes.”“I should always be doing more.” On the surface, perfectionism looks like discipline and […]

If you’re a high-achieving, ambitious woman, you may find yourself thinking, “my partner isn’t as motivated as me,” and feeling frustrated, guilty, or even resentful. This is a common challenge for ambitious women navigating relationships where drive, ambition, and motivation aren’t perfectly aligned. In this post, we’ll explore why this frustration arises, how to manage […]

Quick Summary: This guide explains how to navigate insurance coverage for therapy and counseling in California. Learn how behavioral health benefits work, including copays, deductibles, session limits, and telehealth coverage. Get practical tips for checking your plan, understanding in-network vs. out-of-network options, and using superbills for reimbursement. Ideal for anyone looking to understand therapy costs […]

Quick Summary: This article explores the decision of delaying motherhood to focus on career development. It discusses the benefits and challenges associated with this choice, including financial stability, career advancement, and personal growth. The post provides insights into how women can navigate societal expectations, manage guilt, and make informed decisions about family planning while pursuing […]

Quick Summary: This article offers practical strategies for high-achieving women to manage stress, perfectionism, and burnout. It emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and embracing self-compassion to achieve a balanced and fulfilling life. The post is tailored for ambitious individuals seeking clarity, resilience, and sustainable success. Are You Googling This? If you’re searching […]

If You’ve Ever Wondered How to Control Your Emotions If you’ve ever wondered how to control your emotions — or felt frustrated when you can’t — you’re not alone. Last week at the beach, I witnessed a moment that perfectly captured how our feelings don’t always follow the rules we try to give them. A […]

If you’re a high achiever at a UC school, you’ve likely felt the weight of UC campus comparison culture. From prestigious internships to grade curves, it’s easy to feel like you’re never doing enough—even when you’re excelling. For many students, this constant comparison feeds perfectionism, self-doubt, and burnout. For high achievers and perfectionists, this constant […]

Is BetterHelp legit? You’ve probably seen BetterHelp everywhere – on podcasts, Instagram, and TikTok. While the platform is technically licensed, recent lawsuits and privacy concerns raise important questions about its legitimacy and effectiveness. In this article, we’ll explore BetterHelp lawsuits, privacy issues, and explain why boutique therapy practices like Elevé Therapy & Co offer a […]