Why High-Functioning Anxiety Is So Hard to Recognize (Especially in High Achievers) Published July 7, 2026 Austin, TX Written By: Rachel Cooper, MS, LPC Associate Supervised by Dr. Amber Quaranta Leech, LPC-S On the surface, things look like they’re going well for you. You meet deadlines, perform well at work, take […]
Early in my career, I didn’t question the weight I sometimes carried home after sessions. I’d notice a tiredness that wasn’t just physical but I didn’t have a framework for understanding it. I thought that was just part of being in this work. Over time, I’ve come to understand vicarious trauma less as something sudden, […]
Are you feeling heart-ached, broken and full of sorrow over communication? The good news is this is probably much easier to solve than it feels! By utilizing the following practices first with a loved one, second with yourself, and third (if you like) with God, you will become happier, grateful and relieved pretty quickly! Anyone […]
Signs You May Be Experiencing Vicarious Trauma You work with people carrying heavy stories. But are you carrying them too? Vicarious trauma happens when you absorb the trauma of the people you serve. If you’re a caseworker, social worker, nurse, or frontline worker, this might feel familiar: Common signs: -Feeling emotionally numb or disconnected -Hypervigilance: […]
Burnout doesn’t always look like exhaustion. Many people experiencing burnout are still showing up for work, caring for others, and getting through their day. On the outside, they seem fine. Underneath, they may feel anxious, emotionally exhausted, disconnected from themselves, or unable to truly relax. Common signs of burnout can include: • Feeling constantly “on” […]
How to Stop Letting Perfectionism Control Your Life: A Therapist’s Approach for High Achievers | Amority Health Published June 29, 2026 Austin, TX Written By: Rachel Cooper, MS, LPC Associate Supervised by Dr. Amber Quaranta Leech, LPC-S If you’re a high-achiever, you’re probably used to setting ambitious goals and holding yourself […]
Fights Are Rarely About What You’re Fighting About Fights are normal. Most couples come into therapy convinced they know why they argue. The dishes. The money. The children. The in-laws. The lack of intimacy. The text message that wasn’t answered. Those may be the topics of the argument, but they’re rarely the reason the argument […]
The Role of Self-Awareness in Change: Your First Step Toward Growth | Amority Health Published June 22, 2026 Austin, TX Written By: Rachel Cooper, MS, LPC Associate Supervised by Dr. Amber Quaranta Leech, LPC-S Quick Summary: Change can feel daunting, overwhelming, or even impossible but the key to meaningful growth often […]
Why High Achievers Struggle With Rest: Understanding Burnout, Guilt, and Overfunctioning | Amority Health June 7, 2026 Austin, TX Written By: Rachel Cooper, MS, LPC Associate Supervised by Dr. Amber Quaranta Leech, LPC-S Why Rest Feels So Hard for High Achievers For many high-achieving adults, rest doesn’t feel restorative, it […]
Is It Introversion or Avoidance? How to Tell the Difference | Shifting Perceptions | Amority Health Written By: Rachel Cooper, MS, LPC Associate Supervised by Dr. Amber Quaranta Leech, LPC-S Is It Introversion or Avoidance? We all say no sometimes; skip plans, leave early, or prefer quiet time. But how do you […]
