Therapy for People-Pleasing in New York
Say goodbye to People-Pleasing and Embrace Self-Confidence.
Do you often say “yes” when you really want to say “no”? Feel responsible for everyone’s happiness while ignoring your own needs? You may be caught in the cycle of people-pleasing—and you’re not alone.
At Heart Mind Soul Practice, our compassionate therapists in New York specialize in helping individuals like you create healthier boundaries, build self-worth, and develop the confidence to honor your own needs without guilt or fear.
You deserve relationships where your voice is heard and your feelings are valued—and we’re here to help you make that shift.
What Is People-Pleasing and Why Does It Happen?
People-pleasing often stems from early experiences where love, acceptance, or safety was linked to being agreeable or avoiding conflict. While the desire to be kind is a strength, it becomes harmful when it leads to chronic self-neglect, resentment, and burnout.
You may be struggling with people-pleasing if:
You constantly seek approval or validation from others
You feel guilty or anxious when saying “no”
You avoid conflict at all costs, even when your needs aren't met
You struggle with low self-esteem or fear of rejection
You overcommit, overgive, and feel emotionally exhausted
You often feel unseen or unappreciated in your relationships
Through therapy, we help you explore the root of these patterns and gently untangle them so you can start honoring yourself—without shame or fear.
Personalized Therapy for People Pleasing in New York
Every story is different, and so is our approach to healing. We provide personalized therapy sessions that explore the emotional roots of your people-pleasing habits and offer proven strategies to help you build a life where your needs matter.
We specialize in supporting:
-
Learn how to set limits without guilt and communicate assertively while preserving compassion.
-
Build a stronger sense of identity and self-confidence that isn’t defined by others’ approval.
-
Develop tools to manage anxiety, guilt, or overwhelm that arise when you prioritize your own needs.
-
Explore how people-pleasing impacts your romantic, familial, or professional relationships and begin reshaping healthier dynamics.
-
Rediscover your values, passions, and authentic voice through guided exploration and reflection.
-
Understand the roots of your behaviors and begin the process of reparenting your inner child with kindness and care.
Who We Serve
-
Adults
Helping adults set boundaries and prioritize their own needs.
-
Couples
Supporting couples in breaking cycles of approval-seeking behavior.
-
Families
Guiding families to create balanced, respectful relationships together.
-
Groups
Empowering group members to speak up and be authentic.
Therapy Approaches That Support Lasting Change
-
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Builds awareness of automatic people-pleasing patterns, creating space for values-aligned choices.
-
Somatic Therapy
Releases stored tension from saying “yes” too often, helping the body feel safe, grounded, and confident setting boundaries.
-
Relational Therapy
Uses the therapist-client relationship to model safe, honest communication and mutual respect.
-
Narrative Therapy
Helps you rewrite the people-pleasing story, reclaiming your voice and choosing a more empowered identity.
Our Unique Approach to People-Pleasing Therapy
At Heart Mind Soul Practice, we understand that breaking the people-pleasing cycle requires more than surface-level advice. It’s about unlearning survival strategies and building a deep, loving relationship with yourself.
What sets us apart?
Compassionate, judgment-free support from licensed therapists
Tailored sessions to your emotional needs and lived experiences
Practical tools you can use in daily life—from setting boundaries to managing guilt
A safe space to rediscover your worth and voice, at your own pace
How Do I Get Started?
Schedule a Consultation
Call us or fill out our online form to book an initial consultation.
Get Therapist Assigned
We’ll match you with a therapist best suited to your needs.
Begin Healing Journey
Therapy sessions designed to help you overcome anxiety.
You Deserve to Feel Heard, Valued, and Free
If you’re ready to stop living for others and start living for you, we’re here to walk beside you with compassion and care.
💙 Take the first step toward healing—reach out to us today. You don’t have to do this alone.
Meet Our Team of Expert Therapists
-
![]()
Mariam Hager
-
![]()
Lillie Brody
-
![]()
Henry Levine
-
![]()
Madison Schwartz
-
![]()
Ava Kaplan
-
![]()
Delilah Mulgannon
Frequently Asked Questions
-
If you often suppress your needs to keep others happy or fear conflict, you may be engaging in people-pleasing behaviors. Therapy can help you explore this further.
-
Yes, many people-pleasing tendencies begin in childhood due to family dynamics, emotional neglect, or the need to feel safe and accepted.
-
Sessions involve gentle exploration of your thoughts, emotions, and patterns—along with learning new tools to assert yourself and build self-worth.
-
Healthy boundaries and kindness can coexist. We’ll help you find a balanced way to honor both yourself and your relationships.
-
Many clients begin to notice positive shifts—like increased clarity, confidence, and boundary-setting—within the first few months of consistent therapy.