High-functioning anxiety is a condition that often goes unnoticed because individuals with it are able to maintain their daily responsibilities and appear outwardly successful. However, beneath the surface, they may be struggling with overwhelming worry, perfectionism, and a constant fear of failure. People with high-functioning anxiety often feel as though they are constantly running on empty, unable to quiet their racing thoughts, and driven by an internal pressure to achieve. Dr. Karen Hawk, a compassionate psychologist based in Gilbert, AZ, offers specialized counseling for individuals experiencing high-functioning anxiety. Her approach is designed to help clients recognize and manage their anxiety in a way that promotes mental and emotional well-being, while also addressing the root causes of their stress.

Understanding High-Functioning Anxiety

High-functioning anxiety may not be immediately apparent to those around you. It’s often masked by a person’s ability to meet deadlines, maintain relationships, and excel in their professional and personal lives. However, beneath the surface, individuals with high-functioning anxiety are often dealing with constant feelings of stress, worry, and self-doubt. They may have difficulty relaxing, experience physical symptoms like tension or insomnia, and feel as though they must always be "on" in order to succeed.

Dr Karen Hawk Psychologist Gilbert helps clients understand the complexities of high-functioning anxiety by providing a safe and supportive environment for self-reflection. She works with individuals to identify the subtle signs of anxiety that are affecting their daily lives, even when they seem to be managing everything on the outside. Through therapy, Dr. Hawk helps clients understand that high-functioning anxiety is still a form of anxiety and that it deserves attention and care, even if the person appears to be handling their responsibilities.

Identifying the Root Causes of Anxiety

High-functioning anxiety doesn’t occur in a vacuum; it often has deep roots in a person’s past experiences, beliefs, and thought patterns. Dr. Karen Hawk uses her expertise to help clients uncover the underlying causes of their anxiety. For many, this may involve exploring past trauma, childhood experiences, or perfectionistic tendencies that have developed over time.

Dr. Hawk’s trauma-informed approach takes into account the whole person, acknowledging how early experiences and learned behaviors may be contributing to present-day anxiety. She works with clients to identify patterns of thought, behavior, and emotional responses that may be fueling their anxiety. By understanding the deeper sources of anxiety, individuals can begin to break free from the cycle of stress and perfectionism, learning healthier ways to cope and respond to challenges.

Challenging Perfectionism and Unhealthy Expectations

One of the most common traits of high-functioning anxiety is perfectionism. People with this form of anxiety often set impossibly high standards for themselves and feel immense pressure to meet those standards. The fear of making mistakes, being judged, or not achieving the desired outcome can create chronic stress and anxiety. Over time, this pattern can lead to burnout, frustration, and a sense of never being “good enough.”

Dr. Karen Hawk helps clients confront their perfectionistic tendencies by challenging the unrealistic expectations they have set for themselves. Through cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other therapeutic techniques, Dr. Hawk teaches clients how to identify and reframe negative thoughts and beliefs that perpetuate perfectionism. She helps individuals recognize that making mistakes and experiencing setbacks is a normal part of life and that their worth is not determined by their ability to be perfect.

Dr. Hawk’s work with clients also includes setting more realistic and attainable goals. By breaking down larger tasks into manageable steps and focusing on progress rather than perfection, clients can reduce the pressure they place on themselves and develop a healthier relationship with achievement.

Managing Physical Symptoms of Anxiety

High-functioning anxiety often manifests not only in mental and emotional ways but also physically. Individuals may experience symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, digestive issues, or difficulty sleeping. These physical symptoms are a direct result of the chronic stress and worry that accompanies high-functioning anxiety. Dr. Karen Hawk works with clients to manage these physical manifestations of anxiety through relaxation techniques, mindfulness practices, and lifestyle changes.

Dr. Hawk incorporates relaxation exercises such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery into her therapy sessions. These techniques help clients activate the body’s natural relaxation response, reducing the physical tension that is often associated with anxiety. She also encourages clients to prioritize self-care practices, including regular exercise, healthy nutrition, and adequate sleep, which are essential for maintaining emotional and physical well-being.

By addressing both the mental and physical aspects of anxiety, Dr. Hawk provides a holistic approach to managing high-functioning anxiety that promotes overall health and balance.

Building Emotional Resilience and Self-Compassion

High-functioning anxiety often leads individuals to be highly self-critical, as they hold themselves to impossible standards and constantly strive for perfection. This self-criticism can erode self-esteem and increase anxiety over time. Dr. Karen Hawk works with clients to develop emotional resilience by fostering self-compassion and teaching them how to respond to their inner critic with kindness and understanding.

Through therapeutic exercises, Dr. Hawk helps clients recognize and challenge their negative self-talk, replacing it with more balanced and compassionate thoughts. She emphasizes the importance of treating oneself with the same care and understanding that one would offer a friend who is struggling. By cultivating self-compassion, clients are better able to manage their anxiety without resorting to harsh self-judgment, allowing for emotional healing and growth.

Dr. Hawk also supports clients in building emotional resilience by teaching them coping strategies for managing stress and anxiety in the long term. This includes learning how to face challenges without succumbing to feelings of overwhelm, developing adaptive coping mechanisms, and building a sense of inner strength.

Setting Healthy Boundaries and Learning to Say No

People with high-functioning anxiety often have difficulty setting boundaries because they fear disappointing others or failing to meet expectations. As a result, they may overcommit themselves, take on too many responsibilities, and experience burnout. Dr. Karen Hawk helps clients recognize the importance of setting boundaries in both personal and professional relationships. By learning to say no when necessary, individuals can protect their energy, prioritize self-care, and avoid the exhaustion that comes from trying to please everyone.

Dr. Hawk provides practical tools for setting healthy boundaries, such as clear communication techniques and strategies for assertiveness. She helps clients understand that setting boundaries is an essential part of maintaining mental and emotional well-being, and that doing so does not make them selfish or unkind. Instead, it is an act of self-respect and self-care.

Moving Toward a Balanced and Fulfilled Life

Ultimately, Dr. Karen Hawk’s goal is to help individuals with high-functioning anxiety lead balanced and fulfilled lives. While high-functioning anxiety can often feel like a driving force that pushes individuals to achieve more, Dr. Hawk works with clients to explore what truly matters to them beyond their accomplishments. By connecting with their deeper values and passions, individuals can begin to redefine success in a way that aligns with their emotional well-being.

Through therapy, Dr. Hawk helps clients shift their focus from constant striving and achievement to self-acceptance, balance, and meaningful connection. By teaching clients to manage their anxiety, set boundaries, and cultivate self-compassion, she empowers them to create a life that feels both fulfilling and sustainable.

Conclusion

High-functioning anxiety may not always be visible to the outside world, but it can significantly impact a person’s emotional, mental, and physical well-being. Dr. Karen Hawk’s counseling services in Gilbert, AZ, offer a compassionate and effective approach for managing high-functioning anxiety. Through therapy, Dr. Hawk helps clients identify the root causes of their anxiety, challenge perfectionism, develop coping strategies, and foster self-compassion. With Dr. Hawk’s guidance, individuals can move toward a more balanced, fulfilling life, free from the constant pressure and stress that high-functioning anxiety brings. If you are struggling with high-functioning anxiety, Dr. Karen Hawk’s support can help you regain control, reduce stress, and find peace in the midst of life’s challenges.