Every September, I find myself reflecting more than usual. The change in season has a way of making me pause and ask where I am, what I need, and how I want to move forward. Many of my clients share that they feel something similar this time of year. The slower pace of summer gives way to structure and routine, which can highlight both the areas of life that feel steady and the ones that feel more unsettled. It is often in these moments of transition that people begin to wonder if therapy might help.

If you grew up in a culture steeped in diet ads, fitness challenges, and before-and-after photos, it’s no wonder your definition of health might be tied to weight. But health is far more complex than that. And when we only focus on the scale, we miss the full picture—and sometimes end up doing more harm than good.

Perfectionism often feels like a badge of honor, especially for professionals who pride themselves on high standards and a drive for success. But when those high standards become rigid or impossible to meet, perfectionism can shift from being a motivator to a source of stress, burnout, and self-doubt.