If you’re feeling burned out, stuck, or like talk therapy just isn’t cutting it anymore, you’re not alone—and you’re not doing anything wrong. For so many of the young professionals and creatives I work with in my psychotherapy practice in Washington, DC and Virginia, the surface-level strategies of "coping" no longer feel like enough. And that’s where therapy intensives can offer something different. Something deeper.

If you’re someone who thrives on productivity and ambition, it might feel counterintuitive to question whether those qualities could actually be a form of high-functioning anxiety. After all, you’re managing your responsibilities, achieving goals, and even excelling in some areas. But beneath the surface, does it feel sustainable—or is it starting to take a toll?

As a therapist specializing in trauma recovery, I work with many clients who identify with these patterns, and one thing I admire about them is their innate drive to figure themselves out. There’s often a deep curiosity that draws them into therapy—a desire to make sense of the cycles they’re stuck in and learn how to live in a way that feels more fulfilling. And what I’ve found over time is that when these clients soften and begin to show themselves compassion, incredible growth and healing unfold.