The weight of expectations. A constant push to excel, to leap to the next milestone, chasing success, overachievement, and an elusive perfection.

There's a point where the ceaseless demands from society, peers, and family become a relentless force. The idea of constantly needing to be more, do more, becomes draining and takes a toll on our very sense of self.

Many of the individuals I work with, who grapple with anxiety, are what I call "recovering perfectionists." Anxiety has a way of constricting possibilities, causing the desire to achieve to collide with the fear of attempting. It convinces us that our setbacks define us, rather than viewing them as stepping stones in life. Instead of embracing these experiences as parts of our journey, they become perceived as dead ends.

The role of therapy in this journey revolves around embracing radical self-compassion and radical self-acceptance. It involves embracing our inherent humanity—the part anxiety often convinces us is flawed. Rather than seeing our human traits as unique aspects of ourselves, we label them as negative. Therapy aids in developing the resilience to live comfortably with uncertainty.

Through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, we strive to create a life founded on personal values rather than external expectations. It's about crafting a purpose for the present, equipping us with the tools to navigate the full spectrum of emotions through life's unpredictable experiences. Because, as much as we desire predictability, life's twists and turns often defy our expectations. And that's where therapy steps in, offering the guidance to navigate the uncertainty and unpredictability that life presents.

ANXIETY