High Achieving Women Therapy
You've built an impressive career. You're competent, driven, and consistently exceed expectations. But since becoming a mother, something feels off. You're caught between two identities—the high-performer at work and the present mother at home—and you're not sure how to be both without losing yourself entirely.
At Bloom Psychology, we work with executives, entrepreneurs, physicians, attorneys, and other professional women who are navigating the unique challenges of maternal identity alongside career ambition. This isn't about "work-life balance" (which often feels like another thing to perfect). It's about integrating both identities authentically.
§Who This Therapy Is For
High Achieving Women Therapy is designed specifically for professional mothers who:
Have always excelled at work but feel they're "failing" at motherhood
Struggle with perfectionism that worked in their career but backfires in parenting
Feel guilty about working (and guilty about wanting to work)
Experience imposter syndrome in motherhood despite career confidence
Are managing or hiding postpartum depression/anxiety while maintaining professional appearances
Face pressure to "lean in" at work while being "present" at home
Feel isolated from other mothers who don't share similar career demands
Question their maternal identity or feel detached from their pre-baby self
→Common Profiles We Work With
The Executive Mother: You're used to controlling outcomes through preparation and effort. But babies don't respond to strategic planning, and the lack of measurable progress in motherhood feels destabilizing.
The Entrepreneur/Founder: You've built something from nothing and pride yourself on resilience. But now you're trying to scale your business while managing the unpredictability of early motherhood—and something has to give.
The Professional in Male-Dominated Fields: You've proven yourself in spaces where you were often the only woman. Now you're navigating motherhood in a field that doesn't make space for it, and you fear losing credibility if you show vulnerability.
The Perfectionist High Achiever: You've always been "the best" at everything you do. Motherhood is the first arena where excellence isn't clearly defined, and "good enough" feels like failure.
The Woman Who Delayed Motherhood for Career: You intentionally waited until you were established professionally. Now you're facing fertility challenges, pregnancy after 35, or the realization that career success didn't prepare you for maternal ambiguity.
§What Makes This Different from General Therapy?
While any therapist can work with working mothers, High Achieving Women Therapy addresses specific psychological patterns common in professional women:
→Perfectionism vs. "Good Enough" Parenting
General therapy approach: "Lower your standards"
Our approach: Understand why perfectionism served you professionally, identify where it's now harming you, and develop discernment about when to apply high standards (your work presentation) vs when to embrace imperfection (messy play with your toddler)
→Productivity Identity Crisis
General therapy approach: "You're more than your accomplishments"
Our approach: Validate that achievement is part of your identity while exploring maternal worth that isn't tied to measurable output. You don't have to choose between being accomplished and being nurturing—but you do need to redefine success.
→Guilt About Wanting Career Fulfillment
General therapy approach: "It's okay to work"
Our approach: Dismantle the internalized belief that good mothers prioritize children above all else, examine cultural narratives about maternal sacrifice, and create permission to want professional fulfillment without shame.
→Control and Unpredictability
General therapy approach: "Learn to let go"
Our approach: Recognize that your need for control has been adaptive and functional. Learn to distinguish between productive control (childproofing your home) and anxiety-driven control (micromanaging every nap), and build tolerance for the inherent uncertainty of parenting.
You don't have to choose between being accomplished and being nurturing—but you do need to redefine success.
§Common Challenges We Address
→Professional Identity Loss
Feeling like you've disappeared into "mom" role
Missing the competence and mastery you felt at work
Resentment toward your partner who seems unchanged professionally
Fear that career pause will derail long-term trajectory
Struggling to reintegrate into professional identity after maternity leave
→Perfectionism in Motherhood
Researching every parenting decision to exhaustion
Feeling like you're "failing" because baby won't sleep/eat/develop on schedule
Comparing yourself to other mothers (especially those not working)
Applying work deadlines and metrics to parenting milestones
Inability to tolerate "messy" parenting moments
→Work-Life Conflict (Not Balance)
Physically present at home but mentally at work (and vice versa)
Sunday scaries about the week ahead
Guilt about working late vs. guilt about leaving work early
Difficulty delegating at work because you feel you need to prove post-baby competence
Missing important baby milestones due to work demands
→Imposter Syndrome
Feeling like you're faking it as a mother
Believing other mothers are "naturals" while you're struggling
Fear that colleagues now see you as less committed
Anxiety that you're damaging your child by working
Questioning whether you "should" be a stay-at-home mom
→Relationship Strain with Partner
Resentment about division of labor (especially invisible labor)
Partner doesn't understand career pressure + maternal pressure
Conflict about childcare decisions
Loss of romantic/sexual connection
Different parenting philosophies causing friction
→Burnout and Exhaustion
Chronic fatigue despite adequate sleep
Emotional numbness or detachment
Cynicism about work, motherhood, or both
Reduced sense of accomplishment despite objective success
Physical symptoms (headaches, muscle tension, digestive issues)
§Treatment Approaches
→Cognitive Restructuring for High Achievers
We examine and challenge the internalized beliefs driving your distress:
Common Distorted Beliefs:
"Good mothers always put their children first"
"If I'm not the best at something, I've failed"
"Needing help is weakness"
"I should be able to do it all"
"My worth is determined by my productivity"
Reframing Process:
Identify where these beliefs originated (family, culture, professional environment)
Examine evidence for and against each belief
Develop alternative, balanced beliefs that honor both ambition and imperfection
Practice self-compassion when falling short of impossible standards
→Values Clarification and Prioritization
Many high-achieving women operate on autopilot, pursuing goals without examining whether they align with current values.
Exploration questions:
What mattered most before becoming a mother?
What matters most now?
Are you living according to your values or others' expectations?
What does "success" actually mean to you at this life stage?
What do you want your child to remember about you?
Outcome: Clear decision-making framework for navigating career opportunities, parenting choices, and life design.
→Boundary Setting and Assertiveness
Professional women often excel at workplace boundaries but struggle with maternal/family boundaries.
Skills developed:
Saying no to additional responsibilities (work and personal)
Communicating needs clearly to partner, family, employer
Protecting personal time without guilt
Setting limits with extended family about parenting advice
Establishing work boundaries (email after hours, weekend availability)
→Perfectionism Management
Perfectionism is deeply ingrained in high achievers. We don't eliminate it—we channel it effectively.
Strategies:
Categorizing tasks: Where does perfectionism serve you? Where does it harm you?
Practicing "good enough" parenting in low-stakes situations
Exposure to imperfection (sending the less-than-perfect email, accepting messy play)
Separating self-worth from performance
Celebrating "B+" parenting as success
→Mindfulness for Type-A Personalities
Traditional mindfulness can feel frustratingly passive for achievers. We adapt mindfulness practices:
Modified approaches:
Goal-oriented mindfulness (using meditation to improve focus)
Active mindfulness (mindful movement, walking meditations)
Brief, structured practices (5-10 minutes vs. hour-long sessions)
Productivity integration (mindful commute, mindful feeding baby)
→Partner and Family Work
When appropriate, we include partners in therapy to:
Redistribute domestic and childcare labor equitably
Address resentment about career vs. childcare prioritization
Improve communication about needs and expectations
Align on parenting philosophy
Rebuild intimacy and connection
§What to Expect in Therapy
→First Session (90 minutes)
Comprehensive assessment of professional and maternal roles
Discussion of presenting concerns (burnout, guilt, identity loss, relationship conflict)
Exploration of perfectionism and its origins
Review of current support systems
Work demands and flexibility
Partner involvement and division of labor
Goal-setting: What does success look like for you?
→Ongoing Sessions (50 minutes weekly or bi-weekly)
Processing specific challenges from the past week
Challenging distorted beliefs as they arise
Practicing new skills (boundary-setting, saying no, tolerating imperfection)
Values-driven decision-making for career and parenting
Building self-compassion and reducing self-criticism
Addressing relationship dynamics with partner
Monitoring for depression, anxiety, or burnout
→Common Session Topics
Returning to work after maternity leave
Deciding whether to pursue promotion or career shift
Managing mom guilt about traveling for work
Navigating workplace discrimination after becoming a mother
Setting boundaries with demanding boss/clients
Conflict with partner about division of labor
Feeling disconnected from baby
Resentment toward partner's unchanged life
→Treatment Duration
Most clients see significant improvement within 12-16 weeks. However, this is ongoing identity work that evolves as your child grows and career demands shift. Many high-achieving women continue occasional "maintenance" sessions during transitions (returning from maternity leave, new job, second baby, promotions, etc.).
However, this is ongoing identity work that evolves as your child grows and career demands shift.
§Why Choose Bloom Psychology for High Achieving Women?
→Dr. Rundle Understands Your World
Dr. Rundle has worked extensively with professional women in high-pressure careers. She understands:
The pressure to prove post-baby competence at work
The isolation of being "the only mom" in leadership
The guilt about wanting professional fulfillment
The perfectionism that's been adaptive until now
The identity crisis when achievement-based self-worth meets maternal ambiguity
→Evidence-Based but Tailored
We use proven therapeutic approaches (CBT, ACT, IPT) but adapt them for high achievers:
Structured, goal-oriented sessions (you value efficiency)
Data-driven progress tracking (you like measurable outcomes)
Skills-based approach (you want actionable strategies)
Intellectual engagement (you appreciate psychological frameworks)
→Flexible Scheduling
We know your time is limited and valuable:
Early morning sessions (before work)
Lunchtime sessions (midday break)
Evening sessions (after childcare coverage)
Telehealth options (no commute time)
Intensive sessions available (longer, less frequent sessions)
→Judgment-Free Space
This is a rare environment where you can:
Admit you sometimes resent your child
Express ambivalence about motherhood
Acknowledge you miss your pre-baby identity
Share guilt about loving your work
Discuss the fantasy of "going back" to childless life
You will not be shamed. You will not be told to "be grateful." You will be understood.
→Serving Professional Women in Austin and Beyond
In-Person: North Austin office (13706 N Highway 183, Suite 114) with private, professional setting.
Telehealth: Secure video sessions for anywhere in Texas—perfect for busy professionals with unpredictable schedules.
→Related Resources
Therapy for moms
Postpartum depression support
Comprehensive new mom program
Blog: Managing perfectionism in motherhood
You will not be told to "be grateful.
Your Path to Integration
Comprehensive Assessment
Begin with an in-depth exploration of your professional identity, maternal experience, perfectionism patterns, and current life stressors affecting both career and family.
Customized Treatment Plan
Receive a tailored approach combining cognitive restructuring, values clarification, boundary-setting skills, and perfectionism management adapted for high achievers.
Ongoing Integration Support
Experience continued guidance as you develop sustainable systems that honor both professional ambition and maternal presence, with flexibility for life transitions.
Key Benefits
Identity Integration
Develop a cohesive sense of self that honors both your professional accomplishments and maternal role without sacrificing either.
Perfectionism Management
Learn to channel perfectionism where it serves you while embracing "good enough" parenting in areas that matter less.
Work-Life Clarity
Create sustainable systems and boundaries that allow genuine presence in both professional and maternal roles.
Guilt Reduction
Challenge internalized beliefs about maternal sacrifice and develop permission to want career fulfillment without shame.
Burnout Prevention
Address chronic exhaustion and emotional depletion before they lead to full burnout, depression, or health consequences.
Relationship Enhancement
Improve partnership dynamics around division of labor, communication, and shared parenting philosophy.
Frequently Asked Questions
We're here to answer your questions about this service.
How is this different from regular postpartum therapy?
High Achieving Women Therapy specifically addresses the psychological patterns common in professional women: perfectionism, productivity-based self-worth, imposter syndrome, and the unique pressure of maintaining career competence while navigating new motherhood. While postpartum therapy focuses primarily on mood disorders, this therapy addresses identity integration and work-life challenges specific to high achievers.
Do I have to be experiencing depression or anxiety to benefit from this therapy?
No. Many high-achieving women come to therapy not because of diagnosable mental illness, but because of identity crisis, burnout, relationship strain, or the sense that they're "failing" at motherhood despite professional success. This therapy addresses life design and values alignment, not just symptom reduction.
What if I'm considering leaving my career to stay home?
This is a common crossroads for professional mothers. Therapy provides a judgment-free space to explore this decision without pressure. We examine your motivations, values, financial implications, identity concerns, and long-term career trajectory. Many mothers discover they don't actually want to leave their career—they want more flexibility, better boundaries, or a different role. Others clarify that stepping back aligns with current priorities. Either choice is valid, and we support you in making the decision that's right for you.
Can my partner attend sessions with me?
Yes. Partner sessions can be very effective for addressing division of labor, resentment about career prioritization, communication patterns, and alignment on parenting philosophy. Many high-achieving women find their partners don't fully understand the invisible labor and emotional burden of managing both career and childcare.
I feel guilty about resenting my child sometimes. Is that normal?
Absolutely. Maternal ambivalence—the simultaneous experience of love and resentment toward your child—is normal, though rarely discussed openly. High-achieving women often feel particularly conflicted because they're used to wanting and enjoying challenges, but motherhood's demands can feel relentless and unrewarding. Therapy provides a safe space to acknowledge these feelings without judgment and explore what they're telling you about your needs.
How do I know if I'm burned out or just tired?
Burnout includes: chronic exhaustion despite rest, emotional numbness or detachment, cynicism about work or motherhood, reduced sense of accomplishment despite objective success, and physical symptoms (headaches, digestive issues, muscle tension). If you're questioning whether you're burned out, you likely have at least some burnout symptoms. Early intervention prevents progression to depression or serious health consequences.
What if I feel like I'm failing at both work and motherhood?
This is one of the most common presentations among high-achieving mothers. You're likely holding yourself to impossible standards in both domains while comparing yourself to: (1) colleagues without children who can work 60-hour weeks, and (2) stay-at-home mothers who can devote full attention to child development. You're not failing—you're attempting an unsustainable definition of success. Therapy helps you redefine success in terms that honor your actual capacity and values.
Can this therapy help with career decisions (promotion, job change, entrepreneurship)?
Yes. Many sessions focus on career decisions through the lens of maternal identity and family needs. We explore questions like: Does this promotion align with my current values? Can I negotiate flexibility? What's the opportunity cost to family time? What am I modeling for my child about ambition and success? Therapy provides clarity for these decisions without prescribing what you "should" do.
How quickly will I see improvement?
Many clients report feeling "heard and understood" after the first session, which itself provides relief. Practical skill-building (boundary-setting, cognitive restructuring) begins immediately. Deeper identity integration and values alignment evolve over 12-16 weeks. However, this is ongoing work that continues to evolve as your child grows and career demands shift.
Do you work with mothers in specific professions?
We work with professional women across industries: executives, entrepreneurs, physicians, attorneys, consultants, academics, engineers, financial professionals, and others in high-pressure careers. While specific career challenges differ (a surgeon's schedule vs. an attorney's billable hours), the underlying psychological patterns—perfectionism, guilt, identity integration—are remarkably similar.
What if I can't take time off work for weekly therapy?
We offer flexible scheduling including early morning (7am), lunchtime, evening sessions, and telehealth options that eliminate commute time. Many clients schedule sessions during their workday as "health appointments" (which therapy is). We also offer intensive sessions (90-120 minutes every 2-3 weeks) for particularly demanding schedules.
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
Take the first step toward healing and growth with a free 15-minute consultation. Join our supportive community and access ongoing therapeutic care.