Anxiety and People-Pleasing
What are the signs and how can CBT help?
When You Carry More Than People Realize
Many New Yorkers carry responsibilities and expectations — from others and themselves — that aren’t always visible. You may appear steady and capable, yet privately feel overwhelmed, unsure, or stuck.
You may notice:
Constant worry or overthinking
Feeling responsible for others’ needs or emotions
Saying “yes” even when you’re already stretched thin
A critical inner voice that’s hard to quiet
Anxiety at work, in relationships, or during downtime
Feeling that your efforts aren’t “enough”
You don't have to wait until things become unmanageable
How Middle Path Can Help You
At Middle Path, we offer CBT that’s practical, reflective, and tailored to your needs. Experienced and trusted by New Yorkers to navigate life’s pressures, we help you understand both the helpful and unhelpful patterns shaping your experiences, and build observable changes so you can move forward feeling clearer, steadier, and more self-assured.
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Understand your patterns
Notice the fear of disappointing others, self-doubt, or self-criticism that may be influencing your behaviors.
02
Build practical skills
Build on your strengths, learn to examine unhelpful thoughts, clarify your needs, and practice expressing boundaries.
03
Make changes that last
Apply the new skills in everyday situations and build confidence and self-assurance in handling challenges on your own.
The goal isn't to become a different person.
It's to help you respond to life with greater flexibility and intention, in ways that align with what matters to you.
No need to have it all figured out — we’ll take it one step at a time
Meet Dr. Thompson
I'm a Columbia-trained clinical psychologist with more than a decade of experience providing CBT to adults who may appear to have it all together while privately feeling that something isn’t quite working.
My approach combines clinical expertise with warmth, curiosity, and practical skill-building. I create a space where you can be honest about what's difficult while leaving each session with a clearer understanding of what you can do next.
What change can look like
“You helped me stay true to who I am, and I now feel more grounded, clearer on what I want, and able to communicate it in ways that really work.”
— A. F. W.
“I feel less anxious and confused now, and more able to cope on my own.”
— Y. C.
“I’m much more aware of my feelings, needs, and goals as things are happening. I’ve noticed improvements and less stress in my relationship.”
— E. K. F.
Curious what change could look like for you?
FAQs
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That's completely okay. You don't need to have everything figured out before starting therapy. Openness and curiosity are more than enough to begin. Together, we'll explore what's bringing you in, identify patterns, and clarify what you'd like to change.
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Therapy can be short- or long-term, depending on your goals and needs. Some clients notice meaningful improvements within a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support.
We'll regularly evaluate your progress and adjust the focus as your needs evolve. As you reach your goals, we'll work together to transition out of therapy — often by gradually spacing sessions or wrapping up when you're ready.
And if new goals come up or you’d like a refresher, you’re always welcome to return.
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Absolutely. Online sessions are private and fully secure on a HIPAA-compliant platform. No downloads or apps are required — you can join from anywhere you feel comfortable.
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Sessions are $275.
Payment is due at the time of service. Major credit cards and FSA/HSA cards are accepted.
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We are an out-of-network practice, which allows us to focus on your goals and treatment rather than insurance requirements.
After each session, we'll provide a Superbill that you can submit to your insurer for available out-of-network reimbursement. Many clients receive partial reimbursement — at times a significant portion — depending on their plan.
To learn about your benefits, contact your insurer and ask:
• Do I have out-of-network benefits?
• What is the reimbursement rate for CPT codes 90791 and 90834, with and without place-of-service code 10?
• What is my out-of-network deductible, and do therapy sessions count toward it?
• What is my out-of-pocket maximum (the spending cap after which many insurers reimburse 100% for the remainder of the plan year)? -
Your privacy is our top priority. All sessions are strictly confidential, whether in-person or online, so you can feel safe sharing your thoughts and feelings.
Access the Privacy Practices Notice HERE
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To honor both your time and ours, we kindly ask for at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Missed appointments, cancellations, or rescheduling with less than 24 hours’ notice will be subject to the full session fee.
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You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.
You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 1-800-985-3059
