Am I a Covert Narcissist? An Honest Therapist’s Self-Assessment
This post offers a compassionate, clinical self-assessment for women wondering if they might be covert narcissists. It clarifies the difference between narcissistic traits and trauma-related defenses, providing a 20-item reflective inventory to guide honest self-exploration without fearmongering. You’ll find clinical insights, named expert research, and practical distinctions to help you understand your inner world with kindness and precision.
- 3am, Scrolling After the Fight: A Moment of Self-Doubt
- What Is Covert Narcissism Versus Fleas-from-Trauma?
- The Neurobiology of Empathy and Narcissistic Defenses
- How This Question Shows Up in Driven Women
- Differentiating Covert Narcissism from Complex PTSD
- Both/And: You Can Have Selfish Moments and Still Not Be a Narcissist
- The Systemic Lens: Why Driven Women Are Disproportionately Convinced They’re the Problem
- How to Heal and Know When to Work with a Therapist
- Frequently Asked Questions
3am, Scrolling After the Fight: A Moment of Self-Doubt
The pale blue glow from her phone cuts sharply through the dim bedroom. It’s 3am, and Elena, a 36-year-old pediatrician, lies awake, her black silk pajamas soft against her skin. The silence around her is deep, but inside, a storm brews. She’s just put down her phone after rereading her partner’s text from earlier — the one that still stings, the one that unsettles her heart.
Her breath catches. Her chest feels tight, a weight pressing down that she can’t shake. The fight from earlier today replays in her mind, every word a sharp echo. She whispers to the quiet room, “Am I the problem?” Her fingers hover uncertainly over the keyboard, tempted to Google the question that’s haunted her for weeks: am i a covert narcissist?
In sessions with women like Elena, this question comes up again and again — often after years of emotional confusion and relational pain. Many have been gaslit, made to doubt their reality, their feelings, their worth. They arrive burdened by shame, wondering if their struggles come from within or were born from abuse.
Here’s the first thing I want you to know: doubting yourself doesn’t make you the abuser. The lines between covert narcissism and trauma-related behaviors can blur, especially when you’re carrying the weight of emotional wounds. Recognizing the difference is a key step toward healing.
Elena’s story is not unique. Women worldwide ask this question in the quiet hours, searching for clarity in a fog of self-judgment.
What Is Covert Narcissism Versus Fleas-from-Trauma?
Covert narcissism is a subtype of narcissistic personality disorder marked by hypersensitivity, vulnerability, and a defensive kind of self-absorption rather than the loud grandiosity most people imagine. According to Daniel Shaw, MD, clinical psychologist and author of Traumatic Narcissism, covert narcissists often hide behind shyness, introversion, or a victim role but still demand constant external validation and struggle with genuine empathy.
In plain terms: A covert narcissist feels deeply insecure but expects the world to meet their needs—even if they don’t openly demand it. This contrasts with “fleas,” which are survival behaviors people pick up from trauma, like self-criticism or people-pleasing. Fleas don’t come from a core entitlement or lack of empathy.
The term “fleas” was popularized by Pete Walker, LCSW, psychotherapist and author of Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving. He describes fleas as unconscious patterns and attitudes survivors adopt from abusive environments. These might include harsh self-judgment, withdrawal, perfectionism, or a constant need to please others. They’re not who you truly are—they’re coping tools that can be unlearned.
This distinction is vital. Fleas are trauma responses that can change with time and therapy. Covert narcissism is a consistent personality pattern that resists change without deep, intentional work. Many women asking am I a covert narcissist? are actually wrestling with fleas, which can feel frighteningly close but are fundamentally different.
Understanding this difference frees you from the trap of self-condemnation and opens the door to healing.
The Neurobiology of Empathy and Narcissistic Defenses
Empathy isn’t a single thing—it’s made up of several brain processes: cognitive empathy (knowing what someone else is thinking), affective empathy (feeling what they feel), and compassionate concern (wanting to help). Tania Singer, PhD, a neuroscientist at the Max Planck Institute, showed that these parts can be affected differently in people with personality disorders, including narcissism.
In plain terms: Empathy means understanding others, feeling their emotions, and caring enough to act. Covert narcissists often can understand what others feel but struggle to truly feel or care deeply, which can make their relationships feel distant or self-focused.
Heinz Kohut, MD, a pioneer in self psychology, taught us that the ability to empathize is essential for a healthy sense of self. When empathy breaks down—as it often does in covert narcissism—it leaves a fragile self behind, protected by defensive self-absorption.
Janina Fisher, PhD, clinical psychologist and author of Healing the Fragmented Selves of Trauma Survivors, explains how trauma changes brain wiring, making it harder to separate your feelings from others’. This blurring can make empathy feel overwhelming or confusing, especially for survivors of covert narcissistic abuse.
Because of these brain changes, many survivors worry that their survival strategies have turned them into narcissists. But often, what they’re experiencing is hypervigilance and trauma—not a true lack of empathy.
How This Question Shows Up in Driven Women
Priya, a 42-year-old vice president of engineering, sits in her home office, dressed in her favorite navy blazer. She’s just ended a tense video call with her partner and taps her pen anxiously against her desk. Priya’s childhood was full of criticism and emotional neglect, and despite years in therapy, she still questions if her reactive anger and emotional distance mean she’s the problem.
Women like Priya—ambitious, driven, and deeply self-critical—often come to me confused and exhausted by the question, am I a covert narcissist? They’ve been taught to excel and accommodate others, all while carrying invisible wounds from their past.
In my clinical experience, this question often masks a deeper fear: Am I broken beyond repair? Am I the cause of the pain in my relationships? This fear is common among survivors of covert narcissistic abuse, who have internalized blame through gaslighting and emotional invalidation.
That’s why I developed the self-reflection inventory below. It helps women like Priya tell the difference between their own behaviors and the trauma-driven “fleas” that feel like selfishness but aren’t the same as covert narcissistic patterns.
20-Item Self-Reflection Inventory: Am I a Covert Narcissist?
This inventory isn’t a test or pass/fail quiz. Instead, it’s a tool to guide honest reflection. Answer each question with “often,” “sometimes,” or “rarely.” Reflect on how these behaviors show up in your life and whether they feel rooted in fear, survival, or entitlement.
- Do I often feel misunderstood and believe others should pay more attention to me?
- Do I struggle to recognize or care about other people’s feelings consistently?
- Do I frequently feel entitled to special treatment, even if I don’t demand it openly?
- Do I find myself blaming others for my problems while minimizing my own role?
- Do I use victimhood or shyness to avoid responsibility or criticism?
- Do I feel deeply insecure but cover it with withdrawal or passive aggression?
- Do I notice patterns of intense jealousy or envy toward others’ successes?
- Do I struggle to maintain close relationships because of emotional distance?
- Do I often manipulate situations subtly to get my needs met?
- Do I have difficulty accepting criticism without feeling crushed or enraged?
- Do I tend to put others’ needs before my own out of fear of abandonment?
- Do I experience shame or guilt that seems connected to past trauma or neglect?
- Do I find myself people-pleasing or over-apologizing to avoid conflict?
- Do I struggle with anxious attachment, fearing rejection or abandonment?
- Do I feel numb or detached from my emotions at times?
- Do I have moments where I act selfishly but feel remorse afterward?
- Do I feel overwhelmed by others’ emotions and sometimes shut down?
- Do I have a hard time trusting others but still crave connection?
- Do I notice that my self-worth fluctuates dramatically based on others’ approval?
- Do I actively seek therapy or healing to understand myself better?
Reflecting on your answers, if many of your “often” or “sometimes” responses align with feelings of trauma, insecurity, or anxious attachment, you might be wrestling with trauma-related defenses rather than covert narcissism. If your answers point toward consistent entitlement, lack of empathy, and manipulative behaviors, further assessment by a professional may be helpful.
Differentiating Covert Narcissism from Complex PTSD
“To know but not to know, to keep secrets from oneself: that is the central dilemma of the survivor.”
Judith Herman, MD, psychiatrist and trauma researcher, Trauma and Recovery
Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) describes the effects of prolonged, repeated interpersonal trauma like emotional abuse or neglect. Christine Courtois, PhD, clinical psychologist and expert on trauma, explains that C-PTSD involves struggles with regulating emotions, self-image, and relationships.
Unlike covert narcissism, which centers on persistent self-centeredness and entitlement, C-PTSD often shows up as hypervigilance, shame, guilt, and difficulty trusting others. Janina Fisher, PhD, highlights how trauma survivors develop reactive defenses that might look like narcissistic traits but actually stem from a wounded self trying to stay safe rather than dominate.
This distinction can be tricky because both can involve withdrawal or emotional numbness. But covert narcissism lacks the genuine compassionate concern that trauma survivors, even while struggling, can have. Recognizing this difference helps prevent mislabeling yourself and points toward effective healing strategies.
A PATH THROUGH THIS
There is a way through covert narcissistic abuse.
Annie built Clarity After the Covert, an online course, for women exactly like you — driven, ambitious, and ready to do the real work of healing from covert narcissistic abuse.
Both/And: You Can Have Selfish Moments and Still Not Be a Narcissist
Dani, a 29-year-old design director, sits at her kitchen table just after sunrise, adjusting the sleeves of her cream-colored blouse. She’s recently started recognizing how often she puts her needs last and worries that asking for support makes her selfish. In therapy, she’s learning to hold two truths at once: she sometimes acts selfishly, and that doesn’t mean she’s a covert narcissist.
Many women come to therapy burdened by perfectionism and harsh self-judgment. They confuse normal human flaws—like selfish moments, defensiveness, or fear—with a personality disorder. The truth is more nuanced. You can have moments where you act out of self-interest without that defining who you are.
Daniel Shaw, PhD, author of Traumatic Narcissism, points out that empathy exists on a spectrum. People with trauma histories often have what he calls “traumatized empathy,” meaning their ability to connect is compromised but not absent. This contrasts with covert narcissists, who consistently lack compassionate concern regardless of situation.
Holding a both/and perspective frees you from rigid labels and invites curiosity and kindness toward yourself. It opens up space for growth instead of shame.
The Systemic Lens: Why Driven Women Are Disproportionately Convinced They’re the Problem
Driven women often carry extra weight of self-blame. This comes not just from personal relationships but from social and cultural pressures that teach women to manage others’ feelings and take responsibility for conflicts.
In my clinical work, I see how gender roles intersect with trauma to create a storm of self-doubt. Women like Maya, a 34-year-old M&A attorney, describe feeling invisible in their pain and unheard when they try to speak up. The silence around covert narcissistic abuse only deepens this invisibility.
Jennifer Freyd, PhD, psychologist who coined “betrayal trauma,” explains how survivors develop “betrayal blindness” — unconsciously denying or minimizing abuse to maintain attachment. This mechanism fuels confusion and self-blame, making women question if they’re the abuser.
This systemic view helps us understand that the question am I the problem? isn’t simple. It’s shaped by cultural stories, relationship patterns, and trauma. Recognizing these layers is a big step in untangling self-judgment from reality.
How to Heal and Know When to Work with a Therapist
Trauma-informed therapy recognizes how trauma affects mental health and adapts treatment to promote safety, empowerment, and healing. It avoids retraumatization by understanding symptoms and respecting client choice. Janina Fisher, PhD, emphasizes including body awareness and working with different parts of the self in trauma care.
In plain terms: Trauma-informed therapy means your therapist understands how your brain and body respond to trauma and creates a safe space where you can heal at your own pace without judgment or pressure.
Healing from the confusion around covert narcissism and trauma is rarely something you do alone. A trauma-informed therapist can help you untangle your story, separate narcissistic traits from trauma reactions, and develop self-compassion and genuine connection.
When choosing therapy, look for clinicians with experience in covert narcissistic abuse and complex trauma. They’ll support you in understanding your inner experience and building new patterns without blame or fear.
If you’re wondering how to stop being a covert narcissist, the answer often lies in this work: recognizing survival parts of yourself and gradually letting your true self come forward.
For women ready to take that step, consider exploring support options like working with a therapist trained in trauma and relational abuse recovery.
Complex PTSD results from long-term trauma and includes trouble regulating emotions, self-image issues, and difficulty trusting others. Christine Courtois, PhD, describes it as affecting personality and relationships beyond classic PTSD symptoms.
In plain terms: C-PTSD means your brain and body stayed stuck in survival mode for a long time, making it hard to control feelings, believe in yourself, or trust others. It’s different from a personality disorder and can improve with proper care.
Healing is possible. You can move from self-doubt toward trusting your experience and honoring your needs.
Before you go, I invite you to join Annie’s Sunday newsletter for ongoing support, expert insights, and community for women healing from covert narcissistic abuse. You don’t have to face this alone.
Recognizing the Subtle Somatic Signs of Covert Narcissism
When working with driven women who suspect they might be covert narcissists, I often remind them that the mind and body are intricately connected. Subtle, persistent physical sensations — tightness in the chest, a clenched jaw, or a constant knot in the stomach — can signal internal conflict or unresolved shame associated with covert narcissistic tendencies. These bodily cues are not just symptoms; they are vital information about how the psyche is managing—or struggling with—the weight of self-perception and relational dynamics.
Take the example of Priya, a 38-year-old corporate lawyer. In our sessions, she frequently mentions a heavy tension across her shoulders and a sensation of breathlessness when she feels criticized or ignored. Professionally, Priya is exceptionally driven and takes pride in her meticulous attention to detail. Privately, she wrestles with a persistent inner voice that demands perfection as a form of approval-seeking. Her body reacts before her mind fully registers discomfort, revealing an undercurrent of anxiety that she often dismisses as mere stress.
Clinical research supports this connection between covert narcissistic traits and somatic experience. Dr. Elinor Greenberg, PhD, a clinical psychologist specializing in personality disorders, highlights that covert narcissists often carry “unacknowledged shame and vulnerability that manifest physically.” Her work emphasizes the importance of tuning into these somatic signals as a gateway to deeper self-awareness and emotional regulation.
Similarly, Dr. Craig Malkin, a clinical psychologist and author, describes covert narcissism as a “quiet form of self-absorption” where the individual oscillates between feelings of grandiosity and deep insecurity. This internal push-and-pull can create chronic muscle tension, headaches, and digestive issues as the body holds onto emotional ambivalence.
Practical Steps for Grounding and Self-Observation
For women like Priya or anyone questioning their covert narcissistic patterns, practical strategies to ground the body and mind can be lifesaving. Simple daily practices such as mindful breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or gentle yoga can help interrupt the habitual tension cycle. These techniques invite the nervous system to shift from hypervigilance or defensive posturing to a state of calm regulation.
Another useful approach is to keep a journal focused on bodily sensations linked to emotional triggers. For example, when you notice a sudden flush of anger or sadness, pause and observe: Where do you feel this in your body? What thoughts or memories accompany it? This somatic mindfulness can reveal patterns of shame or self-criticism that fuel covert narcissistic defenses.
Integrating this with cognitive reflection, such as asking yourself, “Am I seeking validation by minimizing my needs or feelings?” or “Am I avoiding vulnerability by controlling how others see me?” can open new pathways for self-compassion and behavioral change. These questions align with techniques discussed in my exercises to rebuild reality after covert narcissistic abuse, where reclaiming an authentic self-image is key.
Understanding the Role of Ambition and Perfectionism
Ambition itself is not problematic; it’s a source of motivation and achievement. However, when ambition becomes a mask for unmet emotional needs, it can blend with covert narcissistic tendencies. Women who are successful in their careers might find themselves caught in a cycle of relentless self-expectation, where any perceived failure triggers intense internal shame and withdrawal.
Elena, a 42-year-old architect, often describes feeling “on edge” despite outward success. She craves recognition yet fears being seen as vulnerable or flawed. This paradoxical stance creates a somatic pattern of chronic tension, especially in her neck and upper back, alongside recurring migraines. Elena’s experience illustrates how covert narcissism can entwine with perfectionism, producing a physical toll that mirrors psychological stress.
Recognizing these patterns allows for conscious intervention. For example, setting realistic goals that honor emotional limits, practicing self-validation without external approval, and embracing imperfection as part of growth can loosen the grip of covert narcissistic defenses. These steps are well outlined in the guide for driven women recovering from covert narcissistic abuse, which emphasizes reclaiming personal power without self-judgment.
Reframing Self-Compassion as Strength
One of the greatest challenges for women wrestling with covert narcissism is redefining self-compassion. It’s common to associate compassion with weakness or indulgence, especially in competitive environments. Yet, clinical evidence shows that self-compassion is a powerful tool for emotional resilience and healthier relationships.
Dr. Kristin Neff, a pioneer in self-compassion research, demonstrates that cultivating kindness toward oneself reduces shame and defensive behaviors that fuel covert narcissistic patterns. When you learn to treat your inner critic with curiosity rather than harsh judgment, the body’s stress response decreases, and emotional flexibility increases.
In therapy, I encourage clients to practice compassionate self-talk and to notice the physical sensations that arise when they begin to soften their inner dialogue. For many, this might feel unfamiliar or even uncomfortable initially, with sensations like a lump in the throat or a tight chest signaling old wounds being stirred. These moments are opportunities rather than setbacks—they indicate areas where healing is actively occurring.
Building Authentic Connection Through Vulnerability
Covert narcissism often thrives on emotional distance and guardedness. The fear of exposure or rejection can lead to defensive posturing that inhibits genuine connection. Yet, connection is essential for healing and growth.
Maya, a 35-year-old clinical social worker, shares how her covert narcissistic tendencies manifested as an intense need to control conversations and avoid sharing her true feelings. Physically, she noticed clenched fists and a rapid heartbeat whenever she considered opening up. Over time, through therapy and somatic awareness practices, Maya learned to recognize these bodily cues as invitations to pause and breathe before reacting.
By allowing herself to be vulnerable in safe relationships, Maya experienced relief from the chronic tension she carried in her chest and shoulders. This process deepened her empathy and helped her form more meaningful bonds. Her experience aligns with findings from Dr. Brené Brown, whose work on vulnerability highlights how embracing discomfort builds courage and authentic connection.
For those interested in exploring vulnerability and emotional safety further, this is a natural complement to the somatic recovery approach I often recommend, integrating body awareness with emotional processing.
Integrating Awareness into Daily Life
Healing from covert narcissistic traits is not a linear process, and it requires sustained attention to both internal experience and external behaviors. Developing an ongoing practice of self-awareness—especially tuning into somatic signals—can transform how you relate to yourself and others.
Consider setting daily reminders to check in with your body. Are you holding tension in your jaw? Is your breathing shallow or deep? What emotions accompany these sensations? Over time, you may notice patterns that reveal where covert narcissistic defenses are still active. This awareness creates a foundation for intentional change.
Additionally, cultivating curiosity rather than self-criticism when you observe these patterns can create a compassionate internal environment. This is a crucial step in breaking free from the self-sabotaging loops that covert narcissism can perpetuate.
If you want to deepen your understanding of these dynamics and practical tools for managing them, I encourage you to explore my healing roadmap and the strategy guide for dealing with covert narcissism. These resources offer clinically informed, compassionate guidance tailored to the unique challenges faced by driven women.
Recognizing the Quiet Patterns Within
When you’ve spent years molding yourself to fit someone else’s image, especially in the shadow of covert narcissistic abuse, your own sense of self can quietly erode. This isn’t about grand gestures or overt confrontations—it’s the subtle, persistent undermining that chips away at your confidence, your boundaries, and your emotional clarity. For driven women juggling demanding careers and personal expectations, these patterns can feel like an invisible weight, one that’s hard to name and even harder to shed.
Take, for instance, the experience of Laura, a 38-year-old marketing executive. Each morning, she sits at her sleek desk, the soft hum of her laptop blending with the city sounds filtering through her apartment window. Despite her polished exterior and meticulous work ethic, Laura carries a private struggle. She often feels an unshakable doubt about her worth, a persistent inner critic that whispers she’s not enough unless she’s constantly doing more. Her shoulders tighten unconsciously, a physical manifestation of the tension she feels when she tries to assert her needs at work or in relationships. This tension, she realizes, isn’t just stress—it’s the residue of years spent accommodating someone else’s emotional needs while silencing her own.
Rebuilding Trust in Your Emotional Experience
One of the most challenging aspects of healing from covert narcissistic abuse is relearning to trust your own feelings and perceptions. Abuse often distorts reality, making you question your memories, feelings, and even your sanity. This internal confusion can lead to self-doubt and second-guessing, especially for women who are used to relying on their intellect and discipline to solve problems.
Restoring this trust begins with gentle, consistent work—acknowledging your emotions without judgment and allowing yourself to feel what’s true for you. Somatic practices can be a powerful tool here, as they help reconnect your mind to the sensations and signals within your body. If you’re ready to explore this approach, I encourage you to visit my somatic recovery resources, where you’ll find exercises designed to help you ground yourself in the present and reclaim your emotional authority.
Setting Boundaries That Honor Your Needs
Boundaries aren’t just about saying no—they’re about saying yes to yourself. For women who’ve been conditioned to prioritize others’ needs, learning to set boundaries can feel like an act of courage. You might notice subtle hesitations or guilt when you assert limits, but these feelings are part of the process, not signs that you’re doing something wrong.
Consider how Laura began to notice her physical responses during meetings—her throat tightening when asked to take on extra projects, a sinking feeling in her stomach when her contributions were overlooked. By tuning into these signals, she started to practice small boundary-setting steps, like requesting clearer deadlines or delegating tasks when her workload became overwhelming. Over time, these actions strengthened her sense of agency and reduced the chronic tension she carried in her neck and shoulders.
Finding Support That Resonates
Healing from covert narcissistic abuse often requires more than self-reflection—it calls for connection with others who understand the unique challenges you face. Whether through therapy, support groups, or trusted friendships, having a space where your experience is validated can be transformative.
Therapists with expertise in covert abuse can help you unpack the subtle dynamics that keep you feeling stuck and guide you toward healthier relational patterns. Remember, healing isn’t linear, and setbacks don’t mean failure. They’re simply part of the process of rebuilding trust in yourself and your world.
Practical Steps Forward
As you continue your healing, consider integrating daily practices that nurture your body and mind. This might include mindful breathing, journaling about your emotional experiences, or simple movement exercises that release tension. Paying attention to physical cues—like the tightness in your chest or the heaviness in your limbs—can offer valuable insight into what your body needs.
For tailored exercises that help you rebuild a grounded sense of reality after covert narcissistic abuse, explore my reality-rebuilding exercises. These tools are designed to gently support your recovery by strengthening your internal compass and building emotional resilience.
CONTINUE YOUR HEALING
Ready to go deeper?
Annie built Clarity After the Covert, an online course, for women exactly like you — driven, ambitious, and ready to do the real work of healing from covert narcissistic abuse.
Q: How do I know if I’m a covert narcissist or just reacting to trauma?
A: The key difference lies in empathy and intent. Covert narcissists consistently lack compassionate concern for others and prioritize their own needs, while trauma responses often include fear-based behaviors that can improve with healing. A trauma-informed therapist can help you differentiate these patterns safely.
Q: Can I stop having narcissistic traits if I have them?
A: Yes, with consistent therapy and self-awareness, you can reduce narcissistic behaviors. However, covert narcissistic personality disorder is a persistent pattern that often requires long-term treatment focused on empathy development and emotional regulation.
Q: What are “fleas” and why do I have them?
A: “Fleas” are behaviors or attitudes people pick up from trauma or toxic relationships, like self-critical thoughts or people-pleasing. They’re survival strategies, not core personality traits, and can be unlearned with healing and therapy.
Q: Is it common for survivors of covert narcissistic abuse to fear they are narcissists themselves?
A: Yes, very common. Survivors often internalize blame due to gaslighting and emotional manipulation. This fear can be a trauma response rather than a reflection of actual narcissistic pathology.
Q: Can therapy help me heal if I have covert narcissistic traits?
A: Yes, therapy that is trauma-informed and relationally focused can help build empathy, self-compassion, and healthier relationship patterns. It’s important to find a therapist experienced with personality disorders and trauma recovery.
Q: How does anxious attachment relate to covert narcissism?
A: Anxious attachment involves fear of abandonment and hypervigilance to relational cues, which can overlap with covert narcissistic behaviors like insecurity and neediness. However, anxious attachment doesn’t include the entitlement or lack of empathy that defines narcissism.
Q: What steps can I take right now to start healing?
A: Begin by practicing self-compassion and self-reflection without judgment. Consider working with a trauma-informed therapist, journaling your experiences, and educating yourself about covert narcissism and trauma responses to better understand your patterns.
Q: Is it okay to ask for help even if I’m not sure what’s wrong?
A: Absolutely. Seeking support is a sign of strength and self-awareness. A skilled therapist can help you clarify your concerns, differentiate between trauma and personality traits, and develop a personalized healing plan.
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Annie Wright is a licensed psychotherapist (LMFT #95719) and trauma-informed executive coach with over 15,000 clinical hours. She works with driven, ambitious women — including Silicon Valley leaders, physicians, and entrepreneurs — in repairing the psychological foundations beneath their impressive lives. Annie is the founder and former CEO of Evergreen Counseling, a multimillion-dollar trauma-informed therapy center she built, scaled, and successfully exited. A regular contributor to Psychology Today, her expert commentary has appeared in Forbes, Business Insider, Inc., NBC, and The Information. She is currently writing her first book with W.W. Norton.
