In one episode of her podcast, Michelle Obama described what it felt like to be the only Black woman in many of the rooms she walked into. She talked about the weight of that experience, not just the responsibility, but the loneliness.

That moment stopped me. Because it echoed what so many of my clients describe, especially those navigating high-achieving spaces while carrying complex identities: “I’m here. But am I seen?”

Let’s just say it: Therapy can feel expensive.

When groceries are up, rent is climbing, and your paycheck feels like it evaporates faster than you can say “self-care”, investing in therapy might feel unrealistic. And if you’re someone who already prides themselves on being resourceful, it can be tempting to try to piece together your healing through free online resources, social media, or even ChatGPT.

Let’s be real: Success doesn’t always feel like success.

On paper, you’re crushing it—degrees, promotions, showing up like the dependable one everyone counts on. But inside? You’re barely holding it together. And even when you check all the boxes, it still doesn’t feel like enough.

You’re not lazy. You’re not broken. You’re just exhausted from trying to lead while disconnected from yourself. This isn’t just burnout. It’s deeper than that, and I see it all the time.

Originally explored in The Attachment Advantage newsletter, this blog post expands on how attachment wounds show up in leadership—and why therapy can help you lead with more confidence, trust, and emotional intelligence.

In a time of growing financial pressure, economic anxiety, and social unrest, our relationship with money is under more strain than ever. And yet, for many people, particularly in BIPOC communities, the challenges we face with money aren’t just about numbers—they’re about safety, survival, and emotional patterns we’ve carried for generations.

It starts with a glance at your calendar—booked from edge to edge—and the sinking realization: there’s no margin for rest. For high-achieving professionals in leadership or caregiving roles, it’s easy to fall into a cycle of proving, producing, and pushing through. But what if success didn’t have to come at the cost of your well-being?

Women are often told that motherhood will slow down their careers, making them less competitive or less ambitious. But the reality is quite the opposite. Motherhood doesn’t weaken leadership ability—it enhances it in ways that workplaces often fail to recognize.

Returning to work after having a baby isn’t just about adjusting your schedule or balancing responsibilities—it’s about stepping into a new version of yourself. Many high-achieving women fear that motherhood will make them less competitive, less ambitious, or less effective in leadership roles. The truth? Motherhood doesn’t weaken your leadership—it enhances it in ways that often go unrecognized.

If you’ve ever doubted your ability to thrive as both a leader and a mother, this article is for you. Let’s explore the powerful leadership skills that motherhood sharpens—and how to own them in your career.

There’s a common belief that "letting go and moving on" is always the healthiest response to conflict. But what if holding onto a workplace grudge actually serves a purpose?

Most people don’t stew in resentment just for the sake of it. A lingering sense of injustice, frustration, or disappointment often signals something deeper—a boundary that was crossed, a value that was violated, or an unmet need that deserves attention.

Rather than forcing yourself to "get over it," consider how your reaction can be channeled into something constructive.

Have you ever felt pressured to give more than you can afford—just to keep the peace with family? Whether it’s contributing to a wedding, family trip, or other major expense, setting financial boundaries can feel impossible—especially when guilt and emotional manipulation are involved.

I recently shared my expert insight with Newsweek on why weddings bring out entitlement, why guilt makes it so hard to say no, and how to set firm financial boundaries without damaging relationships.

Read the full Newsweek article here

But there’s even more to this issue than what I covered in my interview. Let’s break it down.

Have you ever wondered why you keep attracting the same types of relationships, struggle with self-doubt, or feel like you have to prove your worth? The answer often lies in attachment theory—the blueprint that shapes how we connect, trust, and navigate relationships.

Do your relationships often leave you feeling unfulfilled, as if you're chasing after affection that remains just out of reach? This recurring pattern of connecting with emotionally unavailable partners is a common concern, but understanding its roots can empower you to change it.

The rollback of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives is more than a workplace shift. For many, it feels like a betrayal—an unraveling of progress that directly impacts psychological safety, trust, and belonging.

DEI initiatives weren’t just policies; they were a signal that inclusion mattered. That workplaces were making room for historically excluded communities. That systemic barriers were being acknowledged and addressed.

When these programs disappear, the impact is deeper than disappointment. It reopens attachment wounds tied to exclusion, instability, and mistrust—reminding many that their sense of belonging was conditional.

You’ve found your person. You love each other. You’re planning your future together.

But deep down, you might still wonder: Are we truly ready for marriage?

This is completely normal. Love alone doesn’t automatically mean a relationship is prepared for the realities of marriage. The good news? You don’t have to be “perfect” to be ready—you just need the right foundation.

Here are five signs you’re on the right path (and three red flags you shouldn’t ignore).

Marriage isn’t just about love—it’s about how you and your partner relate to one another.

Why do some couples feel effortlessly secure, while others struggle with emotional distance, misunderstandings, or cycles of conflict? Often, it comes down to attachment styles—the patterns we develop in childhood that shape how we connect, communicate, and navigate intimacy in adulthood.

If you’ve ever wondered why you and your partner experience conflict in a certain way, or why one of you seems to crave closeness while the other needs space, understanding attachment theory can help.

Do you feel like caregiving is draining the life out of you? Maybe you’re constantly overwhelmed, feeling like you’re never doing enough, or even battling resentment—but stepping back feels impossible. For many people, particularly those from BIPOC communities, this struggle often runs deeper than the day-to-day demands of caregiving. It’s rooted in attachment trauma—early patterns of neglect, inconsistency, or rejection that now shape how you care for others.

Caregiving often demands every part of you—your time, energy, and emotional capacity. While the act of caring for someone else is an expression of love and dedication, it can also lead to a quiet erosion of your own identity. When the lines between caring for others and caring for yourself blur, you might find yourself asking, “Who am I beyond this role?”

Being a caregiver—whether for a loved one, a child, or a partner—is one of the most selfless acts of love. But while caregiving can be deeply fulfilling, it can also be physically exhausting and emotionally overwhelming. If you’ve found yourself constantly drained, disconnected from your own needs, or wondering how much longer you can keep going, you’re not alone.

Body image struggles often run deeper than dissatisfaction with appearance—they’re rooted in how we see ourselves, the narratives we’ve internalized, and the way we learned to navigate connection and safety. For many, attachment trauma plays a central role in shaping body image issues, leaving lasting imprints on self-worth and self-perception.

Your relationship with food and your body is more than just a reflection of societal pressures or media influence. It’s deeply tied to your emotional well-being, sense of self, and the patterns established in your earliest relationships. These patterns, known as attachment styles, shape not only how you connect with others but also how you treat yourself—including how you eat, view your body, and respond to emotional needs.