Ever feel really anxious when you’re around a certain person or certain people? It’s not uncommon, when I asked this question on instagram stories 100% said yes! Here I talk about why you can feel so anxious around certain people and what might be being triggered.

Imposter syndrome affects so many of us, and it can happen at different points in life. Whether you’re stepping into a new role at work, putting yourself out there in a relationship, or simply trying something that pushes you outside your comfort zone, it can show up and make you question your worth.

I’ve experienced it myself. You might assume that because I’m a therapist and help others with these exact issues, I wouldn’t struggle with it anymore, right? But therapists aren’t immune.

People-pleasing, masking, and a lifelong feeling of being ‘too much’ or ‘difficult’ can all be deeply intertwined with the ADHD experience, particularly when you've spent years trying to fit into a world that doesn’t quite understand you.

I've finally released my therapy podcast into the world. Let's Talk People-Pleasing has been launched but it didn't happen without a good helping of initial cringe!

People-pleasing might feel like it's keeping the peace, but over time, it can have serious consequences for your mental and physical health and you could be on a slipper slope to burnout.

Firstly, it’s important to move away from thinking of people-pleasing as just a fixed personality trait or ‘ just the way you are’. Instead, we should see it for what it truly is: a coping strategy.

People-pleasing is an ingenious coping mechanism that you likely developed in childhood to help meet certain needs or to protect yourself from perceived threats.

Here are 3 key reasons why you may have developed this coping strategy

If you’re asking yourself, ‘why can’t I stop people-pleasing?’ It’s because unfortunately, it's not easy! People-pleasing often stems from deeper issues which is why I encourage people-pleasers to engage in a therapy approach focused on addressing the root cause rather than teaching you ways to 'manage' how it feels. But, if accessing therapy isn’t possible, here are 6 ways to work towards stopping people-pleasing

It can be difficult to recognise when you might benefit from therapy, particularly if you’re someone who tends to prioritise others' needs over your own! This challenge is compounded by the common misconception things must be ‘bad enough’ before seeking support. In reality, therapy is most effective before a crisis hits, when you’re more capable of fully engaging in the process. Here are 10 signs that indicate therapy would be helpful.