Therapy for People Pleasing in Sacramento
and Virtually Throughout California
Do you find yourself saying “yes” when you really want to say “no”?
Do you feel responsible for keeping everyone else happy, even if it leaves you drained?
Do you overthink what you said in conversations and worry about being misunderstood?
If this feels familiar, you might identify as a people pleaser—someone who prioritizes others’ needs above their own, often at the expense of their mental and emotional well-being. At Insightful Roots Therapy, I specialize in helping clients untangle these patterns so they can set boundaries, feel grounded in their decisions, and live with more authenticity.
Why People Pleasing Feels So Hard to Stop
People pleasing isn’t about being “too nice.” It often comes from early experiences of needing to keep the peace, avoid conflict, or earn approval in order to feel safe. Over time, these patterns can become second nature.
While people pleasing may have once been a survival strategy, as an adult it can lead to:
Constant overthinking and self-doubt
Anxiety about letting others down
Difficulty making decisions or knowing what you really want
Exhaustion from doing everything for everyone else
Resentment in relationships
You deserve relationships where your needs matter just as much as anyone else’s.
How Therapy Helps People Pleasers
Therapy creates space to explore where these patterns began and how they show up in your life today. Together, we can:
Identify the roots of people pleasing (often connected to trauma, attachment wounds, or family dynamics)
Practice reparenting yourself so you can nurture your own needs with compassion
Learn how to set healthy, sustainable boundaries without guilt
Reduce overthinking and quiet the inner critic
Build confidence in decision-making
Strengthen your ability to tolerate discomfort and trust yourself
Whether you’ve struggled with these patterns for years or you’re just beginning to notice them, therapy gives you tools to stop being a people pleaser and start living more authentically.
People Pleasing and Anxiety
Many of my clients who struggle with people pleasing also experience Anxiety or symptoms of chronic worry. You may feel like your mind never shuts off, especially when you’re worried about others’ opinions. Therapy helps by addressing both—the anxiety and the people pleasing—so you can feel more grounded and at peace.
How Insightful Roots Therapy Can Help
At Insightful Roots Therapy, we understand how exhausting it can feel to constantly put others first. Our goal is to help you feel seen, supported, and empowered to live differently. A few things to expect when you work with us:
Find the roots:
Understand where people pleasing began and release old beliefs that keep you stuck
Set real boundaries:
Learn to say “no” without guilt and protect your time and energy.
Live authentically:
Step into self-trust, clarity, and relationships that feel balanced.
Need a Little More Info Before Reaching Out?
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People pleasing is a pattern of putting others’ needs before your own, often to avoid conflict, gain approval, or feel safe. While it may look like kindness on the surface, it often leaves you feeling drained, resentful, or disconnected from your true self.
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People pleasing behaviors usually develop in childhood or in past relationships, where saying “yes” or keeping the peace was necessary to feel secure. Over time, these patterns stick, even when they no longer serve you.
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Yes. Therapy helps you understand the root causes, build confidence in your voice, and practice setting boundaries without guilt. You’ll also learn strategies to manage the anxiety and overthinking that often go hand-in-hand with people pleasing.
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Every client is different. Some notice small shifts within a few sessions, while deeper work (like EMDR or reparenting) can take more time. What matters most is that you’ll start building awareness and tools you can use right away.
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It’s normal to worry that setting boundaries or speaking up will upset others. The truth is, people who benefit from your people pleasing may resist at first. In therapy, we’ll prepare for those reactions and help you stay grounded in your values. Over time, you’ll discover that the right people will respect your boundaries and that you don’t have to sacrifice your well-being to keep relationships.
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Yes! We offer online therapy throughout California, as well as in-person sessions in Sacramento. This allows you to get support in the way that works best for your schedule and comfort.
Begin Therapy for People Pleasing in California
If you’re ready to break free from the cycle of overthinking, guilt, and self-abandonment, therapy can help. You don’t have to keep living as a “recovering people pleaser” on your own. Together, we’ll work toward building confidence, self-trust, and healthier relationships.
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