For those feeling disconnected from themselves who want to live more authentically
Therapy in Manchester & Online for burnout, anxiety, people-pleasing, self-criticism, perfectionism, and living in the 'should's'
A warm welcome, I’m glad you’re here. Reaching this point often means you’re noticing that something in your life no longer feels quite right, and you’re open to understanding that more deeply. You might be wondering whether therapy is right for you, or why you’re feeling this way. I am a therapist in Manchester and online, helping people to reconnect with themselves and explore what feels off in their lives.
Life can feel demanding, fast-paced, and full of expectations. Many people find themselves managing responsibilities, meeting others’ needs, and ticking boxes - at work, in relationships, and in life generally - while quietly feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or out of step with themselves. There may come a point where the old ways of coping no longer feel sustainable, where something feels off, but it’s hard to put into words.
People often seek therapy, searching for help with anxiety, low mood, burnout, or stress. Beneath this, there is often a deeper sense of disconnection - from themselves, their needs, or the life they’re living.
You may appear to be coping on the outside, yet internally feel unhappy, burnt out, anxious, self-critical, uncertain, or exhausted by the effort of being who you think you should be.
These experiences are not personal failings, but understandable human responses to long-term pressure, relationships, and the demands of modern life.
It’s common to arrive in therapy asking yourself, “Why do I feel like this when everything looks fine?”
I offer a space to slow down and make sense of what’s happening, supporting you to understand your experience, reconnect with who you are, and move forward in a way that feels more aligned, sustainable, and true to yourself.
You might recognise yourself in patterns such as:
Burnout, exhaustion, or a sense of running on empty
often linked to over-responsibility, high expectations, or long periods of pushing yourself
People-pleasing
or over-responsibility for others’ feelings, often at the expense of your own
Perfectionism and self-criticism
driven by high or harsh inner standards
Difficulty setting boundaries
leading to imbalance or resentment in relationships
Masking or hiding parts of yourself
to feel accepted or avoid conflict
External expectations
Living according to external expectations, comparison, or a sense of needing to keep up
Living on Autopilot
guided by fear or obligation rather than what you truly value or want
Often, these patterns develop in response to early experiences or unspoken conditions - ways we learned to stay safe, accepted, or valued. It can feel frightening to question them, or to imagine doing things differently, especially when anxiety shows up at the thought of change. Yet living under these conditions for too long can limit authenticity, strain relationships, and contribute to burnout or unhappiness.
Over time, these ways of coping can leave people feeling disconnected from themselves, unsure of their direction, or lacking confidence - even when life appears 'fine' from the outside.
If this feels familiar, you’re welcome to get in touch to explore working together for in person therapy via this contact form. Karen.
I provide a confidential, compassionate space from my private practice, offering therapy and psychotherapy counselling in Central Manchester location as well as online therapy.
''Am I living in a way which is deeply satisfying to me and which truly expresses me?'' - Carl R Rogers
How I work
I take an understanding-led approach, seeing many struggles - including anxiety, low mood, burnout and loss of confidence as human responses to life’s experiences and pressures rather than personal shortcomings. Through reflection, theory, and psychoeducation, I support you to make sense of what’s happening for you - how certain patterns may have developed, why they persist, and how they might be changed.
This understanding often reduces self-blame and creates a greater sense of choice, agency, and control. Change is approached with care and at your own pace, supporting you to reconnect with who you are and move towards living in a way that feels more authentic, grounded, and sustainable.
You can find more information on how I work HERE Or enquire via this contact form
I have over a decade of experience as a therapist commonly supporting people with:
- anxiety, worry, and fearful thinking
- low mood and depression
- stress and burnout, including work-related stress
- confidence, self-esteem, and feelings of inadequacy
- self-criticism, shame, and harsh inner standards
- people-pleasing and difficulty prioritising yourself
- feeling lost, disconnected, or uncertain about life direction
- loss and bereavement
...or perhaps you simply don’t feel like yourself anymore.
Get in touch
Taking the first step can feel like a lot – please feel free to reach out with any questions or to arrange an initial assessment. This first meeting is a chance for us to discuss your needs and see if I am the right therapist to support you.
Your message is strictly confidential and handled through secure services.