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Explore therapist-written articles on eating disorders, trauma therapy, body image, anxiety, and recovery.

Eating Disorders | Body Image | Trauma | Anxiety & Perfectionism | Diet Culture | Therapy in New York

Why Trauma Doesn’t Always Look Like Trauma
Trauma Stephanie Van Schaick Trauma Stephanie Van Schaick

Why Trauma Doesn’t Always Look Like Trauma

Trauma does not always look obvious. It can show up as anxiety, perfectionism, overfunctioning, emotional numbness, people-pleasing, body image struggles, or difficulty resting.

For high-functioning people, trauma can be especially hard to recognize because life may still look successful from the outside. But functioning well does not always mean the nervous system feels safe.

This blog explores why trauma does not always look like trauma — and how therapy can help you understand the patterns you may have learned to minimize.

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The Exhaustion of Always Holding It Together
Anxiety & Perfectionism Stephanie Van Schaick Anxiety & Perfectionism Stephanie Van Schaick

The Exhaustion of Always Holding It Together

High achievers are often praised for being disciplined, capable, and put together. But underneath that polished exterior, many quietly struggle with body image, comparison, self-criticism, and the pressure to stay in control.

For high-functioning people, body image concerns are rarely just about appearance. They are often connected to perfectionism, anxiety, self-worth, control, and the fear of not being enough.

This blog explores why body image struggles can be so common among high achievers — and why healing requires more than simply trying to “feel confident.”

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Why High Achievers Often Struggle with Body Image
Body Image Stephanie Van Schaick Body Image Stephanie Van Schaick

Why High Achievers Often Struggle with Body Image

High achievers are often praised for being disciplined, capable, and put together. But underneath that polished exterior, many quietly struggle with body image, comparison, self-criticism, and the pressure to stay in control.

For high-functioning people, body image concerns are rarely just about appearance. They are often connected to perfectionism, anxiety, self-worth, control, and the fear of not being enough.

This blog explores why body image struggles can be so common among high achievers — and why healing requires more than simply trying to “feel confident.”

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