Counseling for Perfectionism & Burnout

Do you feel the weight of expectations crashing down on you?

Perfectionism is a common struggle for many adults. It might be easier for you to notice what needs to get done, but you have fallen out of the habit of noticing yourself. The world we live in encourages us to run ourselves to the point of exhaustion. You are feeling like weeks blur into months, sometimes years, one deadline after another. You find yourself always chasing the next project, the next improvement, the next big fix. Somehow the feeling you are chasing never sticks around and you find yourself doing more and more. Success and happiness are not the same thing, but they can coexist.

Were you raised to smother your needs for the benefit of others? Do you work hard trying to prevent mistakes from happening? Do you worry about outcomes and feel like you need to be in control? These might be signs you are struggling with perfectionism.

On the outside you might have it under control, you’re getting the things done, but under the surface you are feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and terrified that you’re going to drop all the balls and it will fall apart if you can’t keep it up. This cycle of exhaustion never ends.

Here are some major red flags that you might be struggling with perfectionism:

• Feeling like you can’t relax because there’s always something you should be doing.

• Feeling like no matter how hard you work, it’s never enough to feel satisfied.

• Holding yourself to a different, higher standard than anyone else.

• Overanalyzing mistakes, feeling guilt over rest, or battling imposter syndrome

• Feeling disconnected from joy, creativity, and what truly fulfills you.

Perfectionism often fuels burnout. Burnout is the point where you no longer feel like you can keep going. This is not an overnight thing—it builds over time. Burnout is fueled by pressure, self-criticism, and a growing sense of meaninglessness. Once you reach burnout it becomes harder to heal and motivation can bottom out leaving you feeling hopeless. Counseling can be an essential tool in getting yourself unstuck and moving on to the next thing without the same stressed out way of doing it.

Enough is enough. It’s time to put yourself first.

Burnout & Neurodivergence: ADHD, Autism, & HSP

For neurodivergent individuals—including those with ADHD, Autism, or highly sensitive traits (HSPs)—burnout often looks different. It’s not just about overworking; it’s about navigating a world that wasn’t built for your brain.

• If you have ADHD, burnout can happen due to work, school, or life responsibilities like parenting/caregiving, financial stress, etc. You might struggle prioritizing tasks and finishing projects. When life gets overwhelming you shut down and if you keep pushing through you find it gets harder.

• If you have Autism, you might experience autistic burnout—this is a deep exhaustion from pretending to be “normal,” dealing with too much noise and activity, and handling social rules that don’t make sense to you.

• If you’re highly sensitive (HSP), you may get overwhelmed by too many emotions, responsibilities, or other people’s expectations, leaving you feeling drained, confused, and inadequate for being unable to keep up.

Many people don’t understand neurodivergent burnout and give advice that doesn’t work, like “just take a break” or “try harder.” As someone who is both highly sensitive and has ADHD, I know from personal experience how difficult it can be to get the right routines set up. Let me help you find what works for you!

Gifted Adult Burnout: The Hidden Struggle of High Achievers

Many gifted, intellectual, or high-achieving adults experience a unique form of burnout. From a young age, you may have been praised for your intelligence, insight, or drive—but that giftedness often came with pressure.

You may…

• Feel like you’re always “underperforming” compared to your potential.

• Struggle with chronic dissatisfaction or a sense of restlessness.

• Experience deep imposter syndrome despite external success.

• Find it hard to slow down, fearing stagnation or “wasting” your life.

Gifted burnout often comes from internalized pressure to be extraordinary—but healing doesn’t mean giving up ambition. It means learning to thrive without self-destruction.

Caregiver & Healthcare Burnout: When Helping Others Comes at a Cost

If you’re in a helping profession—a therapist, doctor, nurse, educator, or caregiver—you’ve been taught to show up, push through, and put others first. But at what cost?

• You may feel emotionally depleted after giving so much to others.

• Compassion fatigue might leave you feeling disconnected from your work and the people you care about.

• You might struggle with guilt around setting boundaries or prioritizing your own well-being.

Your capacity for empathy doesn’t have to come at the expense of your well-being. Therapy can help you set sustainable boundaries, process emotional exhaustion, and reconnect with your purpose—without burning out in the process.

You Don’t Have to Keep Pushing Through Alone

Healing from burnout doesn’t mean giving up on your goals or lowering your standards. It means redefining success in a way that honors your well-being.

Therapy can help you:
✔ Quiet your inner critic and develop self-compassion
✔ Learn to rest without guilt
✔ Set boundaries that protect your time, energy, and emotional well-being
✔ Identify and break free from perfectionist thought patterns
✔ Reconnect with joy, purpose, and a life that feels nourishing, not just productive

I offer in-person and virtual sessions for clients throughout Florida.

You don’t have to do this alone. You deserve support, too.