Therapy for People-Pleasing
for Individuals in Ontario, Alberta, and BC
You might notice yourself saying “yes” when you want to say “no.” Maybe you feel uneasy when someone is upset, or you go out of your way to avoid conflict. Over time, people-pleasing can leave you feeling stretched thin, unsure of your own preferences, or questioning who you are outside of what others expect from you.
Therapy for people-pleasing offers a space to reflect, understand where these patterns come from, and begin to reconnect with your own voice.
What People-Pleasing Can Look Like
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Difficulty saying “no” without guilt
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Worrying about being disliked or rejected
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Avoiding conflict, even at your own expense
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Feeling responsible for other people’s emotions
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Shaping yourself to fit what others expect
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Struggling to identify your own needs, preferences, or values
Why We People-Please
People-pleasing isn’t a flaw. It’s something many of us learn as a way to keep ourselves safe and connected. For some, it begins in childhood, where approval felt tied to being “good” or agreeable. For others, it’s reinforced through cultural or family expectations, where harmony and selflessness are emphasized.
These strategies may have helped you at one point, but over time, they can leave you feeling disconnected from your needs and unsure of your own identity.
My Approach to Therapy for People-Pleasing
In therapy, we’ll explore both the fears that make it difficult to consider your own thoughts, feelings, and needs — and the pull to prioritize others’ comfort at the expense of yourself.
Together, we’ll create space to:
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Notice where guilt shows up and learn how to move through it
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Explore the beliefs that fuel perfectionism, shame, and self-doubt
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Begin to identify what feels right and meaningful to you
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Practice setting boundaries slowly, in ways that feel aligned with your values
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Experiment with a more authentic way of communicating — one that feels natural and true to who you are
I draw from Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and psychodynamic therapy. My style is collaborative and compassionate, helping you explore your patterns with curiosity and discover new ways of relating to yourself and others.
Together, We’ll Work Toward...
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Understanding where your people-pleasing patterns began
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Relating to guilt and fear in new ways
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Using therapy as a space to find words for needs you haven’t yet voiced — and to try out what it feels like to express them in a supportive space
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Discovering who you are outside of others’ expectations
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Noticing patterns in your existing relationships to see where there’s room for a more authentic you to be expressed and supported — and discerning which connections may leave you feeling unseen or depleted
You Don't Have to Carry This Alone
It can feel unfamiliar to turn toward yourself after years of focusing on others, but therapy offers a supportive space to begin. Here, you can explore who you are beyond people-pleasing, and what it might look like to live with more honesty, presence, and care for yourself.
I offer virtual therapy for people-pleasing, perfectionism, shame, and anxiety across Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia.
📅 Book a consultation or contact me to get started.
Let’s Connect and Start Your Journey to Well-Being
Ready to take the first step toward greater self-understanding and emotional well-being?
II offer a free 20-minute consultation to explore your needs and see if we’re a good fit. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, perfectionism, or struggling to make sense of your emotions, I provide a supportive space where we can begin to untangle these experiences together. I’d be happy to connect.
Tel: 647-560-0439
PO Box 1127, 7B Pleasant Boulevard, Toronto, ON, M4T 1K2,
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