● Therapy for High Achievers.
Quiet the Critic. Keep the Drive.
Available in-person in Calgary SW and virtually across Alberta
What Is Therapy for High Achievers?
From the outside, you look like you have it all together. The career, the credentials, the reputation for being the one who always delivers. On the inside, it can feel like nothing is ever quite enough, and like one mistake could undo it all.
Therapy for high achievers is a space to tackle perfectionism, people-pleasing and imposter syndrome: the same habits that got you here, now working against you. Together, you can explore what’s driving the pressure, work on quieting the inner critic, and hold on to the ambition that actually serves you.
You’ve worked hard to get here. You deserve to enjoy it.
Is Success Starting to Cost Too Much?
High standards can be a strength. When they turn into constant pressure, they can drain your energy, your confidence and your relationships, no matter how much you accomplish.
Do you experience any of the following?
Feeling like a fraud and waiting for someone to find out
Rewriting, rechecking or overpreparing, even when the work is already good
Saying yes to everyone, then quietly resenting how little time is left for you
Brushing off praise, but replaying every piece of criticism
Struggling to rest without guilt, or feeling restless when you’re not being productive
Over time, these patterns can lead to anxiety, stress and burnout, even in the people who seem to handle everything.
Working with a Calgary therapist who knows the pressures high achievers face, you can begin to:
Set high standards without being ruled by them
Say no with less guilt and less overexplaining
Trust your abilities and own your accomplishments
Make room for rest, relationships and life outside of work
What Therapy for High Achievers Can Address:
Perfectionism and fear of failure
People-pleasing and difficulty saying no
Imposter syndrome and professional self-doubt
Harsh self-criticism and never feeling good enough
Overworking and difficulty switching off
Procrastination driven by fear of getting it wrong
Guilt around rest and setting boundaries
Career pressure, promotions and leadership transitions
Potential Benefits of Therapy for High Achievers:
Quiet The Inner Critic And Treat Yourself With More Compassion
Build Confidence In Your Abilities Without Needing Constant Proof
Practise Setting Boundaries And Saying No With Less Guilt
Work Through Anxiety Around Performance, Feedback, And Mistakes
Make Decisions With More Clarity And Less Fear
Make Room To Rest Without Feeling Behind
Strengthen Relationships Outside Of Work
Redefine Success On Your Own Terms
Who Therapy for High Achievers Is For:
Professionals In Demanding Careers, Such As Lawyers, Physicians, Nurses, Engineers, And Accountants
Founders, Leaders, And Managers Carrying High Responsibility
Graduate Students And Early-Career Professionals Under Pressure To Prove Themselves
Perfectionists Who Find It Hard To Ever Feel “Done”
People-Pleasers Who Struggle To Say No At Work Or At Home
Anyone Who Feels Like An Imposter Despite Their Accomplishments
High Achievers Who Are Successful On Paper But Running On Empty
How Therapy for High Achievers Works:
Start With A Space Where You Don’t Have To Perform
Uncover The Beliefs Driving Perfectionism And People-Pleasing
Recognize The Patterns Behind Imposter Syndrome And Self-Doubt
Reframe Self-Critical Thoughts Using Evidence-Based Approaches Like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) And Acceptance And Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Practise Setting Boundaries And Tolerating Imperfection In Real Life
Build Self-Compassion That Supports, Rather Than Lowers, Your Standards
Align Your Work And Life With What Truly Matters To You
Available In-Person In Calgary SW And Virtually Across Alberta
Our Therapists Who Work With High Achievers:
-
Chris Sullivan, Registered Social Worker (he/him)
-
Kristin Duval, Canadian Certified Counsellor (she/her)
-
Christina Guilherme, Registered Social Worker (she/her)
-
Moriah Edge-Partington, Registered Psychologist (she/her)
-
Alyssa Brown, Canadian Certified Counsellor (she/her)
-
Jennifer McIsaac, Registered Social Worker (she/her)
-
Michelle Johnston, Founder, Registered Psychologist (she/her)
Is Money Part of the Pressure?
For many high achievers, success comes with its own money stress: feeling like you should have more saved, guilt about spending, or anxiety that it could all disappear. If this sounds familiar, learn more about Michelle’s financial therapy services, where we focus on money anxiety and related issues.
Let’s Clear That Up
Frequently Asked Questions About Therapy for High Achievers:
-
Therapy for high achievers in Calgary is a space to work through the pressure that often comes with success, including perfectionism, people-pleasing, imposter syndrome and burnout. Our therapists offer sessions in person in Calgary SW and virtually across Alberta, grounded in evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
-
Imposter syndrome is the persistent feeling that you’re not as capable as others think, and that your success is down to luck or timing rather than skill. It’s especially common in high achievers and professionals. Therapy can help you recognize these thoughts, challenge them, and start owning your accomplishments.
-
Therapy can help. It’s a space to understand what drives your perfectionism, which is often a fear of failure, criticism or not being good enough. Together with your therapist, you can work on keeping high standards while loosening the all-or-nothing thinking, overchecking and self-criticism that wear you down.
-
People-pleasing often starts as a way to stay safe, liked or valued. In therapy, you can explore where the pattern comes from, practise setting boundaries in small, manageable steps, and build your ability to say no with less guilt.
-
You can simply and easily book an appointment online: takecaretherapyco.janeapp.com
We offer in-person and virtual appointments. We also offer free 15-minute consultations to help you decide if we’re the right fit.
-
Our therapists’ rates range from $200–$250. Each 1-hour appointment consists of a 50-minute session and required administrative tasks.
-
Not at this time. We'll email your invoice after the session; just make sure to check with your insurer to confirm your therapist is approved.
-
Take Care Therapy Co. primarily serves adults, with select availability for youth ages 12-17 based on individual needs. Please reach out to discuss how we can support you.
-
If you’re in urgent need of support, please reach out 24/7 to one of the following resources: Alberta Mental Health Help Line at 1-877-303-2642, the Distress Centre at 403-266-4357, or visit the nearest emergency room.
Book Therapy for High Achievers In Calgary And Across Alberta
Whether you prefer in-person sessions at our cozy studio in Calgary (Mission, SW) or the flexibility of online therapy, we're here to meet you where you're at. Ready when you are. Book a free 15-minute consultation through our JaneApp account to see if we’re a good fit:
If you have questions before you book, feel free to send us an email at:
We can’t wait to meet you!