Perfectionism often shows up as a quiet yet powerful force in people’s lives. On the surface, it can look like high standards, strong motivation, or a drive to excel. Underneath, though, perfectionism is rarely about wanting things to be flawless—it’s about wanting to feel safe.

When we talk about trust—trusting ourselves, trusting others—it’s easy to imagine it as something we either have or don’t. But different parts of us hold very different opinions about whether trust is safe. One part might be yearning for closeness, while another part feels the urge to run and protect.

If you’re someone who tends to overthink (hello, perfectionists, people-pleasers, and high-achievers!), you know how exhausting it can be to live inside a mind that never seems to slow down.

But what if the goal isn’t to stop anxious thoughts? What if the goal is to stop letting them run the show?

You don’t just “think anxiety. You feel it.

If you’ve ever said, “I know I’m safe, but I don’t feel safe,” you’re not alone! And Somatic Experiencing might be the missing piece in your healing process.