This Austin Anxiety Therapist’s Ins and Outs for 2026

As a millennial therapist trying to keep up with the trends (Gen Z, help me!), I love seeing everyone post on social what their “ins and outs” are for the upcoming year. While we are almost a month into 2026, I figured I would give my take on my ins and outs for the new year as an anxiety therapist for high-achieving women.

What Is Out in 2026 by an Anxiety Therapist

Saying “Yes” When You Really Mean “Hell No”

You know what I’m talking about. The knee-jerk reaction when you say “yes” to taking on another shift, joining the PTA, making cupcakes for the classroom, and adding in one more client in the day, when in reality, what you mean to say, is “Fuck no!” If you’re being really honest with yourself, you’re overcommitted and feeling like one more thing will tip you over the edge.

Beating Yourself Up for Making a Mistake

If you are like my high-achieving clients, you are your own worst critic. Your inner critic is always lurking, ready to make you feel guilt and shame when you make a mistake. Small mistakes feel like big ones. And because you place high expectations on yourself, you’re very hard on yourself when you fall short of these unrealistic expectations.

Focusing On Everyone Else’s Needs

You might be known as “the strong one,” “the reliable one,” or the one that everyone turns to. You’re naturally empathic, considerate, and kind. Others regularly turn to you and you enthusiastically provide support. Even if it means leaving you empty. Focusing on the needs of everyone else leaves you feeling alone and possibly a bit resentful at times.

Answering Work Emails Outside of Work Hours

Easy access to Outlook, Microsoft Teams, or Slack means you’re always on call. Answering emails after hours didn’t used to be a problem, but lately it’s interfering with your weekends, date night with your partner, and being present with your family and friends. You’re worried that by setting boundaries at work, you might not be seen as reliable as you once were.

Keeping Quiet When You Have Something To Say

Many of my clients keep their opinions and thoughts to themselves, struggle to set boundaries, and advocate for themselves. While there are many reasons as to why this may be (the main one being the patriarchy), not speaking up is actually costing you more than you realize.

My In’s in 2026 as an Anxiety Therapist for Women

Setting Boundaries (At Work and In Your Relationships)

Let 2026 be the year that you actually set and keep your boundaries. Boundaries with yourself, with others, and at work. Boundaries are life-giving, and by working with your nervous system in therapy, I can help you feel less guilty and anxious when you start setting boundaries.

Meeting Your Own Needs

You have to fill your cup. Full stop. This may look like getting 7-9 hours of sleep a night (which is normally a pipe dream for most of us), moving your body in ways that feel good, eating regularly and consuming water (in addition to your emotional support diet coke), and having reciprocal, meaningful relationships where your needs are met.

Self-Compassion…. ALWAYS

If you were to ask me a question, the answer nine times out of 10 is going to be self-compassion. Gone are the days when you beat yourself up for every mistake and instead, try to offer yourself the same loving kindness you would extend to others.

Asking For Help When You Need

Under this one may also be, “knowing that asking for help isn’t a weakness.” You are human, and we all need help at times. Learning to delegate and asking for help is a great way to meet your needs and increase your capacity.

Speaking Up Even When It Feels Scary

Do it scared. Most of us wait to feel confident to set boundaries, speak up, or advocate for ourselves, but confidence comes in the doing, not the waiting. So even if your voice quivers or your stomach is in knots, do it scared.

Final Thoughts

If you are like my clients, high-achieving women who have both personal and professional goals, it can be easy to be overambitious in setting New Year's resolutions that likely won’t stick. However, I would lovingly and gently encourage you to think about what you want to leave behind while also thinking about what you want to move toward in this New Year.

Ditch People Pleasing and Learn How to Set Boundaries with Therapy for High-Achieving Women in Texas!

You don’t have to carry old patterns into 2026. People pleasing, burnout, and feeling guilty for setting boundaries are common among high-achieving women but it doesn’t have to be. Let’s leave burnout, anxiety, and guilt for setting boundaries in 2025. If you are a high-achieving woman who is ready to ditch people pleasing, confidently set boundaries at work and in your relationships, I would love to hear from you!

Other Services Offered by Dr. Molly Moore of Moore Psychotherapy, PLLC

Are you a high-achieving woman who struggles with anxiety, impostor syndrome, and burnout?  I’m Dr. Molly Moore, a licensed psychologist in Austin, TX, who specializes in working with high-achieving women just like you. In addition to helping clients ditch anxiety with Therapy for Anxiety, I also help women overcome self-doubt and feeling like a fraud with Therapy for Imposter Syndrome. Therapy for Burnout is for women who are exhausted—emotionally and physically—to find relief and be productive without sacrificing their needs. In my practice, I provide Online Therapy in Texas. To learn more about me and the work I do, check out my About Me page and my blog.