Less Perfection.
More Authenticity.
Psychotherapy for Perfectionists, People Pleasers, and Anxious Overachievers
Licensed in DC, Maryland, and Virginia
Tame Your Inner Critic
I work with high-achieving professionals locked in a constant battle with worry and self doubt.
My clients struggle as you do. Despite being smart, competent, and successful, they feel that they are never enough. They are plagued by imposter syndrome and feel that they must be perfect at all costs.
When they first come in, they are anxious and insecure, sure that they will never measure up. They feel exhausted and depleted, yet never dare to give themselves a break.
They are afraid of rocking the boat, so they’ve learned to stay quiet and small. They censor themselves when they hold an opinion that might make others uncomfortable.
They’re so focused on meeting others’ expectations that they’ve lost sight of their own. They go out of their way to be accommodating and often abandon themselves in the process.
Their perfectionism gets in the way of the life they want in so many areas. They feel like they are failing as a spouse, parent, and friend. Every day, they feel more and more disconnected from themselves
Before they came to see me, setting boundaries and speaking their minds felt selfish. Why would they risk upsetting people? But excelling in their careers while trying to keep everyone happy was no longer sustainable.
Like my clients, you deserve to live with ease and confidence.
I will help you discover your inherent worth and trust that it doesn't depend on pleasing others.
If you’d like to end the war against yourself, I’d love to help you.
How I Can Help
On the outside it looks like you have it all together. You have a successful career and a full social life. But on the inside, you feel like a total mess.
People always tell you how nice and dependable you are, but the truth is that you’re seething with resentment. You know that you’re more than the “good girl” that you appear to be, but you have no clue how to figure out what that is.
Together we can unravel the messages that keep you hustling for other people’s approval and uncover what you truly want for yourself.
In working with me, you can:
Overcome Anxiety
Recover from Codependency
Move Beyond Trauma
Lisa Zimmerman, LCSW-C
I’m not like the therapists you’ve seen on TV. I don’t sit back and remain silent while you wonder what I am thinking. I roll up my sleeves and engage actively. I bring warmth and energy to my work and build strong connections with my clients.
I don’t believe in cookie-cutter therapy. I know that even people with similar challenges may need different approaches, so I strive to be creative and flexible in my work. I aim to balance insight-oriented therapy with practicality. My clients gain self-awareness as well as concrete tools, both of which I believe are essential for growth.
Let’s Connect
If you’re ready to break the patterns that keep you stuck, give me a call. Click on the button below and set up a free 15-minute consultation. We’ll chat about what changes you’re seeking and, if it feels like a good fit, we’ll schedule your first session.