The Somatic Cost of Walking on Eggshells: Why You're Always Exhausted

THE OUTGROWN MARRIAGE • April 20, 2026

• Opening Sensory Scene: Dani’s Daily Battle
• What Is Chronic Hypervigilance? Understanding the Nervous System’s Role

Opening Sensory Scene: Dani’s Daily Battle

Dani presses her palms flat against the smooth countertop, the coolness a slight relief against her clammy skin. The kitchen hums with the low drone of the refrigerator, punctuated by the distant ticking of a wall clock — each sound sharper than it should be. She’s aware of every creak from the floorboards behind her, every subtle shift in the house’s atmosphere. The slightest noise makes her heart rate spike, and her breath quickens involuntarily. She’s not just cautious; she’s on edge, as if danger lurks in every shadow.

Dani’s body is locked in a state of hypervigilance. Her muscles tense, ready to react at a moment’s notice. Her shoulders are perpetually hunched, as if she’s protecting herself from invisible blows. This isn’t a fleeting feeling — it’s a chronic state that follows her from room to room, from morning to night. It’s exhausting.

This sensory overload is not uncommon for women like Dani, who navigate emotionally volatile environments, often within intimate relationships that have become fraught with implicit threat. The term “walking on eggshells” captures more than the behavioral caution; it’s a lived reality of continuous somatic arousal. Her nervous system doesn’t get a break. The fatigue she feels is not laziness or weakness — it’s the toll of being in a body that’s constantly braced for impact.

When I work with clients like Dani, the first step is acknowledging this reality: their exhaustion is profound because their nervous systems are stuck in a prolonged fight-or-flight mode. This isn’t simply a psychological response; it’s a biological imprint. Understanding this requires a deep dive into the polyvagal theory — a framework that reveals how our autonomic nervous system governs our reactions to safety and threat, and how chronic hypervigilance rewires these responses in ways that exhaust the body and spirit.

What Is Chronic Hypervigilance? Understanding the Nervous System’s Role

Before we can unpack why walking on eggshells leaves you perpetually drained, we need to understand what chronic hypervigilance actually means — not just as a metaphor, but as a lived, embodied state regulated by your autonomic nervous system.

At its core, chronic hypervigilance is a sustained state of heightened sensory sensitivity accompanied by an exaggerated intensity of behaviors whose purpose is to detect and avoid threats. While vigilance is a natural and necessary survival mechanism, chronic hypervigilance means your nervous system never fully relaxes. This prolonged activation results in persistent physical and emotional exhaustion.

Definition Box #1: Chronic Hypervigilance

Chronic Hypervigilance
*A prolonged state of heightened sensory awareness and nervous system arousal characterized by an exaggerated focus on potential threats, often resulting in persistent anxiety, muscle tension, disrupted sleep, and fatigue. It reflects an adaptive but maladaptive survival response where the autonomic nervous system remains in a defensive mode rather than returning to rest and digest.*

The polyvagal theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, offers a revolutionary lens through which to view this state. It reframes our traditional understanding of the autonomic nervous system — which controls involuntary bodily functions like heart rate and digestion — into a hierarchical system that is deeply tied to social connection and safety.

According to polyvagal theory, our autonomic nervous system consists of three primary branches:

1. The Ventral Vagal Complex (VVC): This is the “safe and social” branch, promoting calm, connection, and restorative states.
2. The Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS): The classic fight-or-flight response, mobilizing energy to escape or confront danger.
3. The Dorsal Vagal Complex (DVC): The “shutdown” or freeze response, which can lead to numbness or dissociation.

In a healthy nervous system, these branches dynamically regulate your state depending on environmental cues. When you sense safety, the ventral vagal system activates, allowing for relaxation, social engagement, and restoration. When you perceive threat, the sympathetic system mobilizes to defend or escape. If threat feels overwhelming or inescapable, the dorsal vagal system may trigger a shutdown to conserve energy.

For someone living in a constant state of relational threat — like Dani — this regulation becomes dysregulated. The nervous system skews heavily toward sympathetic activation, keeping her on high alert for subtle signs of danger or emotional volatility. This chronic mobilization is exhausting. It’s as if Dani’s body is perpetually stuck in the red zone, flooding her with stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which over time impair her immune function, disrupt sleep quality, and degrade emotional resilience.

The somatic experience of chronic hypervigilance is far from abstract. It manifests as tightness in the neck and shoulders, shallow breathing, digestive issues, headaches, and a pervasive sense of fatigue that no amount of rest seems to fix. Emotionally, it fuels anxiety, irritability, and a profound sense of being “wired but tired.”

Understanding chronic hypervigilance through the polyvagal lens validates what many women endure silently: this exhaustion is not a failure of willpower or a simple matter of poor self-care. It’s the biological cost of living in a body that’s always preparing for the next threat, often in environments where emotional safety is unpredictable or absent.

In the next section, we’ll explore how chronic hypervigilance develops and persists, and why simply “relaxing” or “trying harder” won’t resolve this deeply embedded nervous system state.

The Clinical Science of Trauma

Understanding trauma requires more than just recognizing its presence; it demands a deep dive into the neurobiological and psychological mechanisms that shape how trauma imprints itself on the mind and body. Trauma isn’t just a memory—it’s a lived experience encoded in the very fabric of our nervous system. This is where the work of Dr. Stephen Porges and Dr. Bessel van der Kolk becomes indispensable.

Dr. Stephen Porges, a leading neuroscientist, introduced the Polyvagal Theory, which revolutionizes how we understand trauma’s impact on the autonomic nervous system. According to Porges, our nervous system operates through a hierarchy of responses to safety and threat: the social engagement system, the sympathetic nervous system (fight/flight), and the dorsal vagal complex (freeze/shutdown). Trauma disrupts this balance. When a person experiences overwhelming threat, their nervous system may default into states of hyperarousal or hypoarousal, making it difficult to return to a sense of safety. This isn’t a conscious choice—it’s a survival mechanism wired into our biology.

Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, renowned for his seminal work in trauma research, expands on this by emphasizing how trauma gets “stuck” in the body. His groundbreaking book, *The Body Keeps the Score*, highlights that traumatic memories are often stored non-verbally and somatically, meaning that the body holds onto these experiences even when the conscious mind tries to move past them. This can manifest as chronic pain, dissociation, or emotional numbness. Van der Kolk stresses that effective trauma treatment must address these bodily imprints, not just the cognitive narrative of trauma.

Definition Box #2: Trauma (Clinical Definition)

Trauma: An emotional response to a distressing event or series of events that overwhelm an individual’s ability to cope, resulting in lasting psychological, physiological, and behavioral effects. Trauma disrupts the nervous system’s regulation, often leading to persistent states of hyperarousal, hypoarousal, or dissociation.

Clinically, trauma isn’t limited to catastrophic events like accidents or assaults. It includes chronic stressors such as emotional neglect, microaggressions, systemic oppression, and repeated failures to feel safe or valued. The science shows that trauma alters brain structures like the amygdala (heightening threat detection), the hippocampus (affecting memory consolidation), and the prefrontal cortex (compromising executive function). These changes explain why trauma survivors might struggle with emotional regulation, memory, and decision-making despite their best efforts.

In clinical practice, I see how these neurobiological insights translate into real-world challenges. For driven women, trauma’s imprint can be especially insidious. Their high-functioning exterior often masks a nervous system on high alert or shutdown—both adaptive responses gone awry. Traditional therapy that focuses solely on talk can miss these embodied signals. Integrative approaches, informed by Porges and van der Kolk, prioritize safety, regulation, and somatic awareness to help clients reclaim their nervous system’s natural rhythm.

This clinical framework underscores why trauma therapy must be patient, attuned, and multidimensional. It’s not about forcing a narrative but about creating conditions where the nervous system feels safe enough to reprocess and release trauma’s grip. Understanding the science behind trauma lays the groundwork for compassionate, effective healing.

How Trauma Shows Up in Driven Women

Trauma in driven women often masquerades as perfectionism, relentless ambition, or the compulsion to overachieve. It’s rarely the obvious flashbacks or panic attacks that define their experience. Instead, trauma’s manifestations are subtle yet pervasive—woven into their self-expectations, relationships, and physical health. To grasp this, let’s look at Camille’s story, a composite of many women I’ve worked with, whose brilliance and burnout tell a deeper tale.

Vignette #1: Camille’s Story

Camille is a 34-year-old marketing executive with a stellar track record. She’s the go-to person for high-stakes projects, known for her meticulous attention to detail and tireless work ethic. Yet beneath her polished exterior lies a relentless inner critic that never lets her rest. Camille often describes feeling like she’s “running on a treadmill that never stops,” battling exhaustion but afraid to slow down. Her nights are restless; her mornings start with a flood of anxiety about falling behind.

In therapy, Camille reveals a childhood marked by emotional neglect. Her parents were high achievers themselves, demanding excellence but rarely offering emotional warmth. As a child, Camille learned that love and acceptance were conditional—tied to her accomplishments and behavior. This early relational trauma wired her nervous system to be constantly vigilant, scanning for signs of rejection or failure.

Clinically, Camille’s presentation aligns with what we call Complex Trauma—repeated or prolonged trauma that occurs within interpersonal relationships during critical developmental periods. Unlike a single traumatic event, complex trauma shapes core beliefs about safety, trust, and worthiness. Camille’s nervous system remains locked in a state of hypervigilance, triggering fight/flight responses even in situations that are objectively safe. Her perfectionism is not just about achievement; it’s a survival strategy designed to keep her safe from emotional harm.

Her body tells a parallel story. Camille experiences frequent tension headaches, digestive issues, and jaw clenching—classic signs of chronic autonomic nervous system dysregulation. Despite her success, she often feels disconnected from her body, describing it as “a foreign place” that doesn’t respond to her commands. This disembodiment is a hallmark of trauma survivors, reflecting the nervous system’s attempt to compartmentalize overwhelming emotions.

Camille’s relationships echo this pattern. She struggles with intimacy, fearing vulnerability will lead to rejection. Her drive to succeed often isolates her socially, leaving her with a persistent sense of loneliness. The paradox is clear: the very traits that fuel Camille’s professional success also deepen her internal wounds.

This vignette illustrates why trauma in driven women is complex and multifaceted. Their trauma shapes not only their emotional world but also their identity and lifestyle. They carry trauma in their nervous system, their bodies, and their relationships, often without conscious awareness.

As a clinician, I emphasize that recognizing these patterns is the first step toward healing. Trauma-informed therapy helps women like Camille develop new ways to regulate their nervous system, cultivate self-compassion, and rebuild trust in themselves and others. It’s about shifting from survival mode to thriving mode—not by pushing harder, but by learning to rest, feel, and connect safely.

In this journey, there’s no room for toxic positivity. Healing acknowledges the pain and struggle without minimizing or rushing it. It respects the complexity of trauma and honors the resilience it takes just to keep going. For driven women, this means redefining strength—not as relentless productivity, but as the courage to face and heal their wounds.

Understanding how trauma shows up in driven women is essential for anyone committed to supporting them. It requires clinical insight, empathy, and a refusal to settle for simplistic solutions. Only then can we create spaces where women like Camille can finally rest, reclaim their bodies, and live fully—not just survive.

11. Navigating Perfectionism and Self-Compassion

Perfectionism is a clinical beast I encounter often in therapy with driven women. It’s a relentless inner critic disguised as ambition, a voice that never quite says, “good enough.” It’s important to understand that perfectionism isn’t just about striving for excellence—it’s a complex coping mechanism rooted in fear, vulnerability, and a deep longing for safety and acceptance. When perfectionism dominates, it often masquerades as a strength but underneath lurks shame, anxiety, and self-judgment.

Psychologist Brené Brown encapsulates this well: *“Perfectionism is not self-improvement. Perfectionism is, at its core, about trying to earn approval and acceptance.”* This quote underscores a truth I’ve seen play out clinically time and again. Perfectionism isn’t about personal growth; it’s about avoiding the painful feelings of inadequacy and rejection at all costs. The problem is, this avoidance comes at a steep price—your mental health and your authentic self.

In therapy, I work with women to gently dismantle the rigid, black-and-white thinking that fuels perfectionism. This process involves identifying the critical inner voice and understanding its origins. Often, perfectionism has roots in childhood experiences where love and approval felt conditional on achievement or behavior. Recognizing this origin allows us to reframe perfectionism not as a flaw but as a protective mechanism that once served a purpose, even if it no longer does.

One of the hardest but most transformative steps is cultivating self-compassion. Many ambitious women resist self-compassion because it feels like “giving up” or “settling.” But self-compassion is the antidote to perfectionism’s harshness. It’s about treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding you’d offer a dear friend. Kristin Neff, a leading researcher on self-compassion, defines it as: “being kind and understanding toward ourselves in instances of pain or failure rather than being harshly self-critical.”

Clinical interventions I use include mindfulness practices that foster present-moment awareness and compassion-focused therapy techniques that help clients develop a nurturing inner voice. We practice self-compassion exercises like compassionate letter writing, where clients write to themselves from a kind perspective, challenging the internalized critical narrative.

It’s also crucial to shift from a performance-based self-worth to an intrinsic sense of value. This reframing is not easy—it requires patience and practice. I often guide women to explore their core values and strengths outside of achievement, helping them build a multi-dimensional sense of identity that includes but is not defined by success.

For many, this work uncovers a paradox: the more you allow imperfection, the more you unlock creativity, connection, and authentic joy. Perfectionism’s grip loosens not when you eliminate it entirely but when you invite self-compassion alongside it. This both/and reality is a cornerstone of sustainable mental health.

12. Both/And — Embracing Ambition and Vulnerability

I want to share Sarah’s story because it beautifully illustrates the both/and nature of emotional experiences I see in my clinical work. Sarah is a composite client—an ambitious woman in her early 40s, juggling a high-powered career, family responsibilities, and the internal pressure to excel in every domain.

Sarah came to therapy feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. She was proud of her professional accomplishments but found herself haunted by a persistent sense of not being “enough”—not a good enough leader, mom, or partner. She described a constant tension between wanting to push forward and a deep-seated fear of failure and rejection. This tension is a classic both/and experience: the simultaneous presence of ambition and vulnerability, strength and fragility.

In our sessions, Sarah bravely explored the societal and familial messages that shaped her drive. She recognized how her upbringing emphasized achievement as a route to acceptance, and how this created an internalized demand for perfection. At the same time, she uncovered a hidden desire to be seen and valued for her authentic self—flaws, doubts, and all.

We worked on integrating these seemingly opposing parts of Sarah’s experience. On the one hand, her ambition is a vital source of purpose and fulfillment. On the other, her vulnerability is a gateway to deeper connection and emotional resilience. Therapy gave Sarah the space to hold these truths simultaneously rather than feeling forced to choose between them.

One powerful moment came during a mindfulness exercise where Sarah allowed herself to rest in the discomfort of uncertainty rather than immediately “fixing” it. She described feeling for the first time in years a sense of relief and spaciousness. It was as if she had been carrying a heavy weight and, in that moment, set it down without guilt.

Sarah’s journey embodies the both/and framework I often emphasize in therapy: you can be ambitious and vulnerable, driven and compassionate, a high achiever and a person who needs rest. These states aren’t mutually exclusive—they coexist and enrich each other.

Clinically, this approach requires deep attunement and flexibility. It means encouraging clients to resist the cultural pull towards either/or thinking and instead embrace complexity. We practice tolerating uncomfortable emotions like doubt, fear, and uncertainty as natural and even necessary parts of growth.

Sarah also learned to communicate her needs more openly in relationships, which improved her support system. She discovered that vulnerability can actually strengthen bonds rather than weaken them. This was a profound shift from her previous belief that vulnerability equaled weakness.

In conclusion, embracing the both/and nature of your emotional life can transform how you relate to yourself and others. It’s not about eliminating tension or discomfort but learning to live with and through them with courage and compassion. Sarah’s story is a testament to the power of this approach to foster resilience, authenticity, and well-being in the lives of ambitious women.

Together, these sections reinforce a key message: personal growth isn’t linear or simplistic. It requires embracing complexity, challenging internalized narratives, and making space for the full range of human experience. For ambitious women, this means redefining success not as perfection or relentless achievement, but as a balanced, compassionate engagement with life’s many facets.

The Systemic Lens — Understanding the Bigger Picture

When I talk about healing and growth, I often emphasize the systemic lens. This perspective shifts us from seeing struggles as isolated incidents or personal failures to understanding them as part of larger, interconnected systems. For driven women, this reframing is crucial. It’s not just about you or your individual experiences—it’s about the web of relationships, societal messages, and cultural norms that shape how you think, feel, and behave.

Systemic thinking means recognizing the patterns and dynamics within your family, work environment, community, and even the broader cultural context. For example, if you’re grappling with anxiety or perfectionism, these aren’t just “your issues.” They might be responses to family expectations, workplace pressures, or societal standards about what it means to be a successful woman. Viewing your challenges this way can reduce the weight of self-blame and open up new pathways for healing.

Clinically, I find that many ambitious women internalize messages they’ve absorbed from multiple systems—family, education, career, and social circles—that tell them to overperform, suppress vulnerability, or prioritize achievement above all else. These messages become deeply embedded in their identity and coping strategies. When we unpack these layers, we can start to see how your nervous system has adapted to handle chronic stress or conflicting demands. This awareness is the first step to reclaiming your agency.

Moreover, the systemic lens invites us to explore intergenerational patterns. What beliefs and behaviors have been passed down from your parents, grandparents, or even further back? Are there unspoken rules in your family about emotions, success, or independence? Understanding these inherited dynamics helps you discern which parts serve you and which no longer fit your values or goals. This kind of insight is incredibly freeing and can catalyze profound change.

I also want to highlight that systemic issues aren’t just about family or personal history—they often include cultural and societal factors such as gender roles, racial identity, and socioeconomic status. These larger forces impact your experience in subtle and overt ways. A systemic lens helps you see the full landscape of influences rather than isolating problems within yourself. This holistic view can be both validating and empowering.

Finally, adopting this lens encourages a compassionate stance towards yourself and others. You start to realize that many struggles are shared and rooted in systems beyond individual control. This perspective fosters empathy, reduces shame, and creates space for collective healing—something that’s essential for sustainable wellbeing.

Ready to Explore Your Systemic Patterns?

If you’re curious about how the systems in your life influence your challenges and strengths, I invite you to take the first step towards deeper understanding and healing.

[Join my Fixing the Foundations program](#) — a clinically designed journey to uncover and transform the systemic patterns shaping your life.

How to Heal / Path Forward

Healing through a systemic lens isn’t about quick fixes or surface-level solutions. It requires a deliberate, compassionate process that addresses the root causes and nurtures lasting change. Here’s how I guide ambitious women through this complex but deeply rewarding path.

1. Cultivate Awareness Through Reflection and Inquiry

Healing begins with awareness. This means developing the ability to observe your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors without judgment. It’s not about beating yourself up for perceived shortcomings but about becoming curious—what triggers your stress or self-criticism? How do your family or cultural stories shape your inner dialogue?

I often recommend journaling or therapeutic exercises that prompt you to explore these questions. Mindfulness practices can also enhance your capacity to stay present with difficult feelings rather than avoiding or numbing them. This foundation of awareness is critical because it allows you to identify systemic patterns that have operated beneath your conscious radar.

2. Reclaim Your Autonomy and Set Boundaries

One of the most common challenges I see in driven women is difficulty saying no or setting boundaries. This often stems from internalized expectations and a desire to please or prove worth. Healing involves reclaiming your autonomy—choosing what aligns with your wellbeing and values rather than external demands.

Clinically, boundary-setting is a skill that requires practice and often support. It might feel uncomfortable at first, especially if you’re used to over-functioning or minimizing your needs. But each boundary you establish reinforces your sense of self and teaches others how to treat you. This shift is transformative, as it interrupts unhealthy systemic dynamics and creates space for authentic connection.

3. Process and Integrate Emotions Safely

Emotions that have been suppressed or invalidated often underlie many symptoms like anxiety, burnout, or self-doubt. Healing means giving yourself permission to feel and express these emotions in safe, contained ways. This doesn’t mean wallowing or becoming overwhelmed but rather allowing emotional processing to occur with support—whether through therapy, support groups, or trusted relationships.

Clinical work often involves techniques like somatic experiencing, cognitive restructuring, or narrative therapy to help women integrate emotions without retraumatization. Over time, this integration reduces the intensity of emotional reactivity and builds resilience.

4. Reframe and Rewrite Your Personal Narrative

Your story matters. The narratives you tell yourself about who you are and what you’re capable of can either trap you or liberate you. With a systemic lens, you can begin to identify and challenge limiting beliefs inherited from family or culture. For example, “I’m not enough unless I’m perfect” or “As a woman, I must always put others first.”

By consciously reframing these narratives, you create new meanings and possibilities. This process is empowering because it moves you from a reactive stance to an intentional one. You start to see yourself as a complex, evolving person—not just a product of your systems but a co-creator of your life.

5. Build Supportive Relationships and Community

Healing is never a solo endeavor. While individual therapy is powerful, I also encourage building a network of supportive relationships. This might include friends, mentors, coaches, or peer groups who understand and validate your experiences. Connection counteracts isolation and reinforces your sense of belonging.

Communal healing also challenges systemic issues collectively. When women come together to share stories and resources, it creates ripple effects that extend beyond individual change to cultural transformation.

6. Commit to Ongoing Self-Care and Growth

The path forward is lifelong. Healing isn’t linear but cyclical, with periods of progress and setbacks. Committing to ongoing self-care—physical, emotional, and psychological—is essential. This means honoring your limits, nurturing your body, and engaging in practices that sustain your wellbeing.

Growth also involves staying open to learning and adapting as you evolve. What worked for you in one season might need tweaking later. This flexibility reflects a mature, compassionate relationship with yourself.

Take the First Step Today

Ready to start healing with a systemic approach? [Sign up for the Fixing the Foundations program](#) and gain clinical guidance tailored to ambitious women like you. Let’s uncover the patterns holding you back and build a foundation for authentic, sustainable wellbeing.

Healing through this systemic lens is a profound journey. It’s not about erasing your struggles but understanding them deeply enough to transform their impact. It’s about reclaiming your narrative, setting boundaries that honor your needs, and building connections that nourish your soul.

Remember, you’re not alone in this. Many women share these challenges, and together, we can create spaces where vulnerability is strength, and ambition coexists with compassion.

Your path forward is waiting, and it’s rooted in the foundations we build today.

Thank you for joining me in this exploration. I’m honored to walk alongside you.

With warmth and respect,
Annie Wright, LMFT
Q1: What does “walking on eggshells” mean in a somatic context?
A1: In somatic therapy, “walking on eggshells” refers to the internal experience of hypervigilance and tension that arises when you’re constantly anticipating conflict or danger. Your nervous system stays on high alert, which can lead to chronic stress and bodily exhaustion.

Q2: How does chronic stress from “walking on eggshells” affect the body?
A2: Chronic stress triggers the sympathetic nervous system, increasing heart rate, muscle tension, and cortisol levels. Over time, this can cause headaches, digestive issues, sleep disturbances, and even increase the risk for chronic illnesses.

Q3: Can somatic therapy help with the physical symptoms of “walking on eggshells”?
A3: Yes. Somatic therapy focuses on tuning into bodily sensations and releasing stored tension. By learning nervous system regulation techniques, you can reduce hyperarousal and reclaim a sense of safety within your body.

Q4: How is somatic debt different from general stress?
A4: Somatic debt accumulates when your body repeatedly experiences stress without sufficient recovery time. Unlike occasional stress, it builds a “ledger” of unresolved physiological tension that impacts your emotional and physical well-being long-term.

Q5: What are some practical ways to start healing from the somatic cost of “walking on eggshells”?
A5: Begin by cultivating body awareness through mindful movement, breathwork, and grounding exercises. Working with a trained therapist can guide you in nervous system regulation and help you process these deep-seated patterns safely.

Porges, Stephen W. *The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, and Self-Regulation*. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2011.

Levine, Peter A. *Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma*. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books, 1997.

Van der Kolk, Bessel A. *The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma*. New York: Viking, 2014.

Ogden, Pat, Kekuni Minton, and Clare Pain. *Trauma and the Body: A Sensorimotor Approach to Psychotherapy*. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2006.

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Annie Wright, LMFT, specializes in somatic therapy for high-achieving women who struggle with chronic stress and emotional overwhelm. With over a decade of clinical experience, she integrates body-centered approaches to help clients heal trauma, regulate their nervous systems, and cultivate authentic resilience. Annie believes that true empowerment begins with feeling safe in your own skin.

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About the Author

Annie Wright, LMFT

LMFT · Relational Trauma Specialist · W.W. Norton Author

Helping ambitious women finally feel as good as their résumé looks.

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.

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Medical Disclaimer

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