A man and a child walking on the beach near the shoreline with gentle waves in the background.

Saying “Yes” When You Mean “No” Hurts You

People-pleasing often begins as a survival strategy — keeping the peace, avoiding conflict, or making sure others are happy so you’ll feel safe. But over time, it can leave you feeling resentful, invisible, or disconnected from what you truly want.

Therapy can help you break free from these patterns and practice boundaries that protect your energy and honor your relationships.

Signs You Might Struggle with Boundaries

  • Saying “yes” when you want to say “no”

  • Feeling guilty for putting yourself first

  • Taking responsibility for others’ feelings

  • Avoiding conflict at all costs

  • Resentment or burnout from overgiving

  • Difficulty knowing what your needs even are

Together, we’ll explore:

  • The origins of your people-pleasing patterns

  • Somatic tools for tolerating discomfort in saying no

  • Building confidence in expressing needs and limits

  • Reframing boundaries as connection, not rejection

  • Practicing real-time communication skills

How Therapy Can Help

Boundaries Are Not Barriers — They’re Bridges to Healthy Connection

You don’t have to abandon yourself to stay connected. Therapy can help you build relationships that honor both you and the people you care about.