Former Gifted Kid Syndrome

Were you a “gifted kid” growing up? School came easily to you, maybe you were in the Gifted and Talented program. You got straight A’s without studying, and were always seen as the “smart” one. Then, at some point in college or after graduation, things fell apart.

So what happened?

Being a gifted kid isn’t inherently traumatic—but the pressure, perfectionism, and praise for your “potential” can turn into a real mess later on.

A lot of former gifted kids grow up believing:

• If I’m not exceptional, I’m failing.

• If it doesn’t come easily, it’s not worth doing.

• If I can’t do it perfectly, why bother at all?

What I see happen when people come to me for therapy is that the tightly structured school environment that kept you organized and on track is gone. The home environment where other people are grocery shopping, keeping laundry going, and setting meal times is gone. The support system that kept things moving along is now hours or states away, and you find yourself unable to do “adult” things and feeling like a failure.

Then “real” adulthood comes along and really kicks the scaffolding out from under you. Now you’re juggling work, bills, relationships, and figuring out what “success” even means. We get to career-level jobs and there’s no longer achievements to constantly work for and measure our success by. We’re working alongside other high achievers, as well as average achievers, and wondering if it all really mattered at all. Shouldn’t I be doing something amazing with all my potential? This feeling can compound with lifelong perfectionism and lead to gnawing anxiety that has no easy solution.

It might not just be anxiety. It could be undiagnosed ADHD.

Here’s something I see all the time: former gifted kids who are struggling with anxiety, burnout, procrastination, and motivation... and it turns out a big piece of the puzzle is ADHD that went undiagnosed for years.

Why? Because when you were younger, you could coast on intelligence and external structure. But now that everything is self-directed? The executive function challenges that were always there are suddenly front and center. In school, there was enough support and variety to keep yourself going - you can cram for a midterm or write a ten page paper the night it’s due and get your gold star. Now, you show up to work for a number of hours, and there isn’t a sense of urgency, accomplishment, and dopamine rush to keep your brain engaged. It’s hard to get started or be motivated to do the simplest tasks. You start lagging behind and wondering why you aren’t the superstar everyone expected you to be.

You’re not lazy. You’re not broken. Your brain just might be wired differently—and that wiring deserves support, not shame.

Therapy can help you untangle the gifted kid guilt spiral

This is where therapy comes in—specifically Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps identify and shift those stuck patterns, like:

• “If I can’t do it perfectly, I’m failing.”

• “I should have figured this out by now.”

• “Everyone else seems to be doing fine. What’s wrong with me?”

In therapy, we work on setting realistic expectations, building new routines (even for brains that hate structure), and reclaiming your worth from whatever achievement hamster wheel you’ve been stuck on. We dig into the societal expectations and underlying beliefs that are keeping you feeling like you’re not good enough, and build out a healthier way of looking at yourself and the world so you can move forward.

You don’t have to figure this all out alone.

I’m a therapist based in Cincinnati, and I offer online therapy across Ohio and Indiana—so you can show up from your couch, your car, or a conference room. I’ve had people show up on the floor of their closet, or in an empty operating room because that’s the only way they could fit therapy into their day.

If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not the only one. Let’s figure out what’s actually going on under the burnout—and how to build something healthier in its place.

Click here to get started.

Understanding CBT and Gaslighting

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Convenient Online Psychotherapy: Serving Clients in Indiana and Ohio

Accessible Care for Indiana and Ohio Residents

I was born a Buckeye and have been a Hoosier for the past decade or so, living close to the Indiana/Ohio border near Cincinnati. So like many of us, I see doctors in both states. Though I’ve worked in-person in both Indiana and Ohio (as well as Kentucky), since going all-virtual in 2018 I have maintained both licenses so I can serve people like me who are on either side of the border at different times of the day or year.

The Benefits of Virtual Psychotherapy

I have maintained a virtual practice since having an infant at home, noting it worked better for me to have flexibility in scheduling and reducing commute time to an office. I can therefore serve more people and at more flexible hours.

The benefits for clients are all about access. So many people I work with would not have the time to drive to an office in the middle of their day, or after work, in addition to the hour of therapy. Being able to close an office door or go to a quiet room in their house makes it much more likely they’re getting care. I also notice a difference in the level of vulnerability people are comfortable with, compared to when they were in a stranger’s office. I think I’m even more comfortable working from my home office than when I shared an office building with other businesses.

Who Can Benefit from Online Therapy?

Anyone who can operate a computer or smartphone can benefit. I think busy people or those with a lot of anxiety around seeking therapy have been the most helped. Literally if you got way too anxious in session, you could just hang up. That hasn’t happened yet, but it’s a nice option to tell a very anxious brain :) It’s also great for someone who is so depressed they’re struggling to leave the house. Therapy can meet them literally in bed and healing can start.

I’ve had many people who have said they would never have gotten care if we didn’t have virtual therapy. There are some cases where in-person care is more appropriate, and I assess that on a case-by-case basis. And of course, many people prefer to go in-person for their care.

Access for people in rural areas is a huge passion of mine, as I myself would need to drive an hour to get to good in-person care. As a working mom, that just isn’t going to happen. As a client, I like being able to snuggle up in a blanket with a cup of coffee on my own couch to start a session.

Part of my standard practice is to connect with, or refer to, any treating physicians you see in order to collaborate on your care. I can do that virtually the same way I did in-office. Being from Cleveland and previously living in Youngstown, Columbus, and Cincinnati, I usually have familiarity with the local resources or can easily find them. I’ve been able to connect people with local providers in the far corners of Indiana too, thanks to the internet.

How Virtual Sessions Work

After having a consultation call, if you’re ready to schedule then I put you in my electronic health record system and you’ll get a link to the appointment by text and email. Just click the link a few minutes before therapy, and the session will begin. The only parameters are that you’re in a quiet place with privacy so you can get the most out of your session.

Licensed to Serve Both Indiana and Ohio

Many people travel between our two great states. I see several college students coming to Indiana from Ohio, or vice-versa. So we can continue care when they’re home for breaks without interruption. Or some people live in Cincinnati but are from Indiana, so again when they’re home visiting family but need a session, we can meet. Many Southeast Indiana residents commute to Cincinnati for work, and may only have time do their session on their lunch break in Ohio. Being licensed in both states allows care to continue without interruption. I’m also licensed for telehealth in Florida, so if you need a session during vacation (hey, I’ve been there), it’s available.

Why Choose Online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

CBT is one of the most effective treatments for anxiety and depression. Being virtual means it’s much easier to fit into your life without interrupting treatment due to commuting, road conditions, etc. One benefit of CBT is consistency early on as we change habits. My EHR allows me to send you worksheets through the portal for you to complete homework between sessions. Online CBT has been just as effective as in-person CBT in my practice.

Start Your Journey to Better Mental Health Today

Are you looking for a therapist licensed in both Ohio and Indiana? Click here to schedule a free 15-minute consultation with an experienced online anxiety therapist from Cincinnati today for online counseling in Indiana and Ohio. Or call/text 513-461-2045.

What to Expect from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy from a Counselor in Cincinnati

Finding the right therapist in Cincinnati can feel daunting. Looking for someone who specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy can be more of a challenge. Most therapists have some understanding and training in CBT, so it may be listed under their specialties, but not everyone has been trained in using a full course of CBT. Once you have found the right person, here is what you can expect when you start.

What to expect from a free consultation call with a CBT therapist in Cincinnati

A free consultation is simply a phone call to tell a prospective therapist what you are looking for, and to find out if it's a good fit. They should ask you for a brief overview of what you need help with, and then they should explain how they work. The therapist should explain what type of therapy they do, as well as the logistics about how often they meet, payment, and location.

This is a time to ask any questions and feel it out. If it feels like the right fit, you can go ahead and move forward with scheduling. If not, you can call a few more therapists to find the right one, or you can also ask this person if they know anyone who better meets your needs.

What happens in the first session of CBT?

In your first session, your therapist will gather your history and more specific information on what you're struggling with. You'll set some treatment goals so you know what direction therapy will go, and then your therapist will explain how cognitive behavioral therapy works. You should get some handouts and some homework for your first week to jump in to the work of CBT.

How long does cognitive behavioral therapy in Cincinnati take to work?

Length of therapy will depend on many factors, but generally a basic course of CBT for anxiety or depression can take around 8 to 12 sessions. When CBT is done “by the book,” you will have moved through the components enough to understand how it works, make changes, and get relief.

If more “stuff” comes up or there are complicated or longstanding problems, CBT can go deeper into these. Your therapist might also incorporate more techniques to compliment CBT. But for many people, a couple months of weekly sessions should really help.

Throughout CBT treatment for anxiety or depression, you will be doing homework assignments to bring to your next session. You'll review these with your therapist and learn new skills. As you make changes and implement new habits, you should be able to see your progress as you approach those goals you set.

If you're ready to try virtual cognitive behavioral therapy in Cincinnati, with online therapy in Ohio and Indiana, click here to schedule your free 15-minute consultation today. Or call/text 513-461-2045.

Dispelling Myths About Therapy: Insights from Your Trusted Anxiety Therapist in Cincinnati

When you're struggling with anxiety, depression, overwhelm, or burnout, finding help can be intimidating. Even if you know you need help, the process of finding a therapist can be so daunting it prevents you from finding someone. I'm here to bust some common misperceptions about mental health counseling so you can feel more confident in getting the help you need.

Myth 1: Limited Availability of Anxiety Therapists in Cincinnati

There is this idea that we have a shortage of mental health professionals, and not enough therapists to meet the need. However, I know several therapists who have immediate openings. So where does this idea come from?

Limitations in insurance coverage and access can be barriers, which is a problem created by the health insurance industry. That's a story for another day. But it's true if you must use insurance, your search might be more specific. There are still many therapists in network, it's just a matter of finding them. With telehealth, you can access therapists across the state.

If you have out of network benefits or the ability to invest in your treatment, many qualified therapists in Cincinnati do have availability. Unfortunately, we don't have one centralized directory so it can be hard to find them. There are a few online directories, but it seems every couple of years a problem pops up or things change and therapists migrate off of that directory.

So how do you find a counselor in Cincinnati? Search engines can help, so if you are searching for something specific like anxiety therapist in Cincinnati, websites for therapists who specialize in anxiety will pop up. Most of us are online, although there still are a few out there who get referrals from word of mouth without a web presence.

You can also ask friends, family, or medical professionals if they know any good therapists. I always recommend calling a few to do a quick phone consultation and see who you fit best with. And most good therapists can help refer you on if you're looking for something they can't offer, like a specialist. We have networks of therapists we refer out to, and I've never had a problem finding someone with availability.

Myth 2: Therapy is for People with Severe Debilitating Anxiety

Although we've come a long way, there is still a big stigma attached to mental health for many people. Or sometimes we dismiss or invalidate our own struggles, thinking therapy should be reserved for people who are struggling more than we are. But the truth is, even if you are still functioning with anxiety or depression, it doesn't mean you don't deserve help.

Many people come to therapy, or continue on after they get better, to work on personal growth or maintenance of their mental health. Psychotherapy can be super helpful for accountability and working on personal goals. I see many people who are functioning very well on the outside, but can use the support in an objective confidential space to process thoughts and feelings.

Myth 3: Anxiety Therapists Only Engage in Passive Listening

There's this myth from the old days that a psychotherapist will sit silently and take notes while you talk, quietly judging until maybe offering some advice at the end. That is not at all how most therapists work these days. The counseling relationship is collaborative, and you're seen as the expert in your own life. The therapist has had training and experience in helping people along in solving problems or processing feelings, but we are humans too and not any better than anyone else. A good therapist’s first response should be empathy for your struggle, and confidence that you can feel better.

It helps during the consultation to say what you're looking for in therapy. Some people really are needing someone to just listen. Others may want more direction or help with solutions. Therapy should be tailored to what you need, and this might change over time.

Myth 4: Alternative Methods Surpass the Expertise of an Anxiety Therapist in Cincinnati

Going to the gym or talking to friends is just as good as therapy, right? While those things are important and helpful, if you're still struggling then it might be time for therapy. The difference is that in therapy, that time is to only focus on you. Your therapist doesn't need you to reciprocate the friendship, and whatever you do in your life doesn't affect your therapist like it does your friends and family. We also process thoughts and consider different ways of looking at situations, practice new skills, and set specific goals to work towards. So while venting can feel better in the moment, therapy is about change.

The gym is great for coping and to boost your mental health overall, but it's not looking at your patterns in relationships, exploring what changes to make at work, or learning communication skills.

Rapid-fire Myth Busting: Insights from Your Anxiety Therapist in Cincinnati

Will my therapist judge me? If your therapist is judging you, they're not the right one for you. Most of us understand that we're all equally human, and your struggles are often a normal response to trauma or overwhelming stress, and not having enough support or coping skills. It's never a failing on your part.

Will I be in therapy forever? If you come to therapy with specific goals, your therapist should put those in the treatment plan so you can work towards them and plan for ending therapy. While you can choose to be in therapy long-term, if you aren't getting better then this is a conversation to have with your therapist about what else might be contributing and if anything needs to change.

Does going to therapy mean I'm crazy? Again this is stigma. Therapy is for everyone. Your therapist should be in therapy or have done work in therapy. We all have our “stuff.” There can also be a fear of disclosing scary things like intrusive thoughts or suicidal ideation. Any good therapist is going to want you to talk about these things, and understand that they don't make you “crazy.” Your therapist should tell you ahead of time what types of things will trigger something like a hospitalization so you can have informed consent, but also to know that you can be honest so your therapist can help you.

Ready to challenge misconceptions about therapy and reclaim control over your anxiety? Schedule your free 15-minute consultation with an experienced online anxiety therapist in Cincinnati today. Online counseling in Indiana and Ohio. Or call/text 513-461-2045.

Demystifying Therapy: Exploring Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with Your Anxiety Therapist in Cincinnati

Why would your therapist ask you about socks? Well, unless they’re a creep, it might be a way to explain the type of therapy they do. I use the socks example all the time to demonstrate how Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) works.

I use CBT in my practice because it’s evidence-based (science backs it up) in the treatment of anxiety and depression. I use other techniques along with it, but I like to start with this because it’s so helpful to pretty much everyone. I’m going to explain the basics of CBT to give you an idea of how it can help. 

Unpacking the 'Sock Question': Understanding CBT Basics with Your Anxiety Therapist

Scenario: It’s a holiday or birthday, and you’re given a gift. You unwrap it, and discover it’s a pack of socks. 
Question: What’s your reaction?

What we’re looking for is the first thought that goes through your mind, and then the feeling that follows. 

I’ve gotten all sorts of responses to this one. When I worked with teens, the response was usually something like, “Socks?! But I wanted an Xbox!” They feel disappointed or mad. Following the feeling is the reaction or behavior. So the teen might say something rude, throw the socks, storm out, or get quiet. 

For me personally, my first thought seeing the socks would be, “Yes!! I love nice socks, and needed some new ones!” I would feel excited and grateful. This just happened recently on Christmas, and I noticed my behavior was to thank the person and start opening them. 

THESE ARE THE SOCKS. THEY’RE THE RIGHT THICKNESS AND SO SOFT!

The CBT Triangle: Thoughts, Feelings, and Behaviors Explained by Your Anxiety Therapist

The socks have no feelings attached to them. The “event” of opening a gift of socks doesn’t have a universal emotion. Socks aren’t good or bad. It’s how we think about the event that determines our feelings, and therefore our actions. 

The “behavior” isn’t always a physical action that you do. It could be a symptom like crying, or a panic attack. It’s basically what happens when you feel that certain feeling. And that can therefore reinforce the original thought, or lead to more.

Therapists will often use a triangle drawing to demonstrate the cognitive model. You might notice that the incident doesn’t end with the behavior, but that the behavior can cycle you back through. Have you ever noticed how you can work yourself up about something, and keep going down the rabbit hole and get even more upset? The cycle isn’t always linear, either. The feeling can then trigger more thoughts, and so on. 

Harnessing the Power of CBT: Practical Techniques for Mental Well-being

In CBT, we look at the content of our thoughts, and determine whether those thoughts are rational or helpful. If they aren’t, we develop alternative thoughts to replace the ones causing distress. With anxiety or depression, our thoughts tend to be distorted in a negative way.

The work is done by using worksheets in between sessions so you can catch yourself in the moment. Over time, you’ll start breaking those unhelpful thought habits and retrain your brain to think more rationally. You’ll also become more mindful of how you’re responding to triggers, which gives you the chance to make a choice in what you’ll do. 

This is a basic overview of the process of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in my counseling practice. Of course it gets deeper than that, but I find it’s super helpful for everyone to learn about.

Even if you don’t have anxiety or depression, we all have thoughts that drive our feelings and behaviors, and it can really help to be aware of them. Practicing CBT techniques can help you deal with stress, improve your relationships, and even help with road rage!

Ready to explore CBT techniques for managing anxiety or depression? Click here to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation with and online anxiety therapist in Cincinnati to discover how CBT can support your mental health journey. Online counseling in Indiana and Ohio. Or call/text 513-461-2045.