NYC therapy for anxiety, perfectionism and overachieving
From the outside, you're the one who has it together. You’re the high performer, the reliable one, the person others assume doesn't struggle. Inside, it's a different story: a mind that replays every mistake, standards no achievement ever satisfies, and a fear that if you slow down, everything you've built will unravel. Even small errors feel like major failures. Rest comes with guilt, praise never gets internalized, and the anxiety that fuels your success also erodes any sense of being enough.
Signs You May Benefit from Therapy for Perfectionism and Anxiety
High-functioning anxiety and perfectionism are easy to miss from the outside, and often from the inside too. Because the same patterns that cause distress also produce achievement, they tend to be rewarded for years before anyone questions them. Many people don't consider therapy until the costs begin to outweigh the rewards and by then, the patterns can feel intrinsic to you rather than something that can change.
Perfectionism
Overachieving
Questions Perfectionists and Overachievers Often Ask:
"Why doesn't any accomplishment ever feel like enough?"
"If I stop pushing myself this hard, will everything fall apart?"
"Why do I procrastinate on things that matter most to me?"
"When do they figure out I'm not as capable as they think?"
"Why can't I relax without feeling guilty or restless?"
"Is it possible to be successful without being anxious?"
"Who am I if I'm not achieving?"
How Therapy Can Help
Therapy helps you separate genuine ambition from anxiety-fueled striving. Together with your therapist, you'll trace where the belief that your worth equals your performance took root, quiet the inner critic, and learn — in your mind and your body — that rest is not a threat. This isn't about lowering your standards or losing your edge; the drive that built your success stays. What changes is what fuels it. Instead of running from failure, you start moving toward what you actually value. Most clients find they don't achieve less — they achieve with less suffering, and finally get to enjoy what they build.
The Atlas Approach
Our approach combines research-backed methods that address both the emotional and practical dimensions of perfectionism and high-functioning anxiety.
Each therapy session is customized to your needs, and may include:
Cognitive restructuring and behavioral experiments to challenge all-or-nothing thinking and fear of failure
"Parts" work to understand the inner critic, the achiever, and the exhausted self underneath and what each has been protecting you from
Body-based practices like grounding and sensation tracking to release the chronic tension of always being "on" and teach your nervous system what safety feels like
You'll leave with a quieter inner critic, the ability to rest without guilt, and standards you choose rather than standards that drive you.
Our work together uses modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Somatic Experiencing (SE).
Results after therapy
Many perfectionists and overachievers complete therapy within 6–8 months of weekly sessions and report:
Peace With Imperfection
Self-compassion that mitigates constant self-critique
Mistakes that register as information, not indictments
Noticeably less anxiety, overthinking, and fear of failure
Work Without Burnout
Realistic goals, easier delegation, and better management of perfectionism-driven procrastination
Efficiency that feels less driven by fear
A sustainable pace and actual work-life balance
Connection Without Performance
Rest and downtime without the guilt
Less need for external validation; a sense of enoughness that comes from within
Relationships where you're valued for who you are, not what you produce
Frequently Asked Questions
-
No — this is the most common fear we hear, and the research points the other way. Clients typically keep their drive and lose the anxiety, procrastination, and burnout that were undermining it.
-
High standards are about the work; perfectionism is about your worth. If falling short of a goal makes you feel like a failure as a person — or if you avoid starting things you can't do flawlessly — that's the pattern therapy addresses.
-
Functioning well and feeling well are different things, and high-functioning anxiety is one of the most common — and most invisible — patterns we treat. You don't need to fall apart to deserve support. Most of our clients look exactly like you.
-
Perfectionism and procrastination are two sides of one coin: when a task carries the weight of proving your worth, starting it feels dangerous, and delay becomes self-protection. Treating the perfectionism addresses the procrastination.
-
Imposter syndrome is a core part of this work. The fear of being "found out" usually shares roots with perfectionism — worth tied to performance — so they're treated together, not separately.
-
A blend of CBT (including thought records, cognitive restructuring, and behavioral experiments — sometimes practicing small, deliberate imperfections), IFS parts work with your inner critic, and somatic techniques for the physical side of anxiety. Your therapist tailors the mix to you.
-
Most clients meet weekly and report meaningful change within 6–8 months. Some notice shifts — especially around procrastination and rest guilt — much sooner.
-
Book a free consultation call. We'll talk about what's bringing you in and match you with the therapist best suited to you.
Meet our Therapists
-
![A woman with medium-length dark hair, wearing hoop earrings, a white turtleneck, and a light brown blazer, smiling in front of a plain white wall.]()
Dr. Lisa Cordero, PsyD, LMHC, LPC
Psychotherapist
Active, goal-oriented therapy for individuals, couples, and families — insight into why you're stuck, and concrete tools to change it.
-
![Portrait of a woman with black hair smiling, wearing a light gray sweater, standing against a plain light-colored background.]()
Donna Hahn, LMSW
Associate Psychotherapist
Therapy for first-generation adults, perfectionists, and high achievers who are ready to put down the mask, quiet the replaying mind, and hear their own voice again.
-
![A woman with long brown hair smiling, wearing a striped shirt, against a plain white background.]()
Joy Belamarich, LCSW
Psychotherapist
Therapy for new mothers, anxious high-achievers, and perfectionists— a place to anchor your self-worth from within.
-
![A woman with shoulder-length dark brown hair, hazel eyes, and hoop earrings, smiling slightly, wearing a white button-up shirt, against a plain white background.]()
Janine Cheng, LCSW
Founder + Clinical Director
Culturally responsive therapy for perfectionists, people-pleasers, stressed couples, and strained families. Structured, and goal-oriented in a warm and supportive setting.
-
![]()
Jennifer Aghavian, LMSW
ASSOCIATE PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Attachment-focused therapy for individuals and couples navigating anxiety, self-doubt, and relationship difficulties. Understand how past experiences, family or cultural expectations shape the way you relate to yourself and others.
Experience personalized therapy at our office in Nomad
Our office in Manhattan was intentionally designed to create a sense of comfort, privacy, and ease from the moment you walk through the door. Surrounded by refined interiors and a peaceful atmosphere, you'll find a space that encourages reflection, connection, and meaningful change.
All in-person sessions will take place in a warm, inviting space that will help you feel calm and centered for the work. The office is located in Nomad and easily accessible via the 1, 2, 3, N, R, W, B, D, F, M and 6 lines.
Connect With Us
Book a Consult
You can schedule an introductory conversation with our Clinical Director using the calendar below. During this conversation, we’ll learn more about what you’re looking for and help match you with the therapist on our team who best fits your needs.
If you prefer to connect directly with a therapist, explore our team bios and schedule a consultation with the therapist you’re most interested in working with.
E-mail Us
If you’re not quite ready to book a consultation, use the form below to introduce yourself and tell us a little about what you’re looking for.
You’ll hear from our Clinical Director within 24 business hours.
Based on what you share about your concerns, goals, preferences, availability and budget, we’ll recommend one or more therapists whose experience and approach may be a good fit and guide you through the next step.
Rewrite your story today.
You don't have to keep repeating the same patterns. Therapy can help you better understand what's driving them and create a different path forward. Let us help find the right therapist for you.