Jul 29

High-Functioning Anxiety: The Hidden Struggle Behind College Success

By Cisais | Anxiety and Trauma

You nail every deadline. Your professors know your name. Friends come to you when they need advice or help getting organized. From the outside, you’re mastering college life.

But inside? That’s a different story entirely.

Your mind races through endless what-if scenarios while you’re trying to fall asleep. You check and recheck assignments before submitting them, never quite convinced they’re good enough. The thought of disappointing anyone—professors, parents, yourself—feels unbearable. Even when things are going well, you’re waiting for the other shoe to drop.

If this resonates, you might be experiencing what mental health professionals call high-functioning anxiety.

The Perfectionist’s Paradox

High-functioning anxiety is tricky because it masquerades as success. It’s the force that drives you to color-code your planner, arrive early to everything, and triple-check your work. But beneath that polished exterior, there’s often a storm of self-doubt and exhaustion.

You might recognize yourself in these experiences:

  • Saying yes to everything because disappointing people feels impossible
  • Procrastinating on important tasks because you’re terrified they won’t be perfect
  • Feeling guilty whenever you try to relax, like rest is something you haven’t earned
  • Comparing yourself constantly to classmates who seem more effortless in their success
  • Physical symptoms like tight shoulders, headaches, or a churning stomach that you’ve learned to ignore

The cruel irony? The very traits that make you appear successful—attention to detail, drive, reliability—can become sources of internal torment.

Why It Goes Unnoticed

High-functioning anxiety flies under the radar precisely because it looks like everything our culture values: productivity, achievement, responsibility. Teachers and parents often praise students who show these traits, not realizing the internal cost.

Even you might not recognize it as anxiety. After all, you’re not having panic attacks in the middle of class or avoiding social situations entirely. Instead, your anxiety wears the mask of ambition, making it harder to identify and address.

The Real Cost

Living with high-functioning anxiety is like running a marathon at sprint pace—eventually, something has to give. Students often experience:

  • Chronic fatigue that sleep doesn’t seem to fix
  • Difficulty enjoying achievements because you’re already focused on the next challenge
  • Strained relationships due to perfectionist expectations
  • Physical symptoms like digestive issues, headaches, or muscle tension
  • Increased risk of burnout, depression, or more severe anxiety disorders

Finding Your Way Forward

The good news? High-functioning anxiety is absolutely treatable. Therapy can help you understand the difference between healthy motivation and anxiety-driven perfectionism. You can learn to quiet that critical inner voice and develop a more compassionate relationship with yourself.

At Life Compass Counseling, we understand the unique pressures college students face. We work with students who are tired of feeling like they’re performing their lives rather than living them. Together, we explore:

  • Where perfectionist beliefs really come from
  • How to set boundaries around productivity and achievement
  • Strategies for managing racing thoughts and physical tension
  • Ways to build genuine self-confidence that isn’t dependent on external validation

You Don’t Have to Choose Between Success and Peace

Many students worry that addressing their anxiety means becoming lazy or unmotivated. That’s simply not true. Therapy helps you achieve your goals from a place of intention rather than fear, creating sustainable success that doesn’t come at the cost of your well-being.

If you’re ready to feel more at ease in your own skin while still pursuing your dreams, we’re here to support you.


Ready to take the next step?

We offer individual therapy with clinicians who specialize in working with college students and anxiety-related challenges.

Flexible scheduling • Telehealth available • Student rates and sliding scale options

Located just minutes from campus in Downtown Davis, California.
Your success doesn’t have to come with a side of suffering. Let’s work together to find a healthier path forward.

Mar 12

Art Therapy Group

By Cisais | Anxiety and Trauma

Processing Emotions Through Art

Is this for you?

✔ Are you an adult seeking emotional regulation, stress relief, and creative self-expression?

✔ Do you want a space to explore emotions without judgment?

✔ No prior art experience? No problem—you’re in the right place!

Session Details

Facilitated by Crystal Garcia, MFT Trainee.

🖌 Online Group: Four Wednesdays a month beginning the 1st Wednesday of each month  | 4:00-5:30 PM | $125 per month

🎨 In-Person Group: Four Sundays a month beginning the 1st Sunday of each month (Maximum 4 participants) |3:00-4:30 PM| $180 per month

What to Expect

✨ Welcome & Grounding – Breathwork & mindfulness to settle in

🎨 Creative Process Introduction – Explore the session’s theme

🖌 Art-Making & Expression – Guided prompts for mindful reflection

📝 Reflection & Sharing – Journal or discuss your experience (optional)

🌿 Closing & Takeaways – A grounding exercise to wrap up

This is your time to express, heal, and reconnect.

📩 Reserve your spot today!

Please Note: This group is designed for emotional expression and well-being but is not a substitute for medical or psychiatric treatment. Crystal Garcia is a Marriage & Family Therapist Trainee working under the clinical supervision of Carmen Isais, LMFT #115123

online Art Workshop for tweens
Dec 11

Chill & Create: Winter Art Therapy for Tweens

By Cisais | Anxiety and Trauma

This winter, give your tween, ages 9-12,  the gift of self-expression, connection, and creativity. “Chill & Create” is a unique, art-based therapy group designed to help tweens process emotions, explore their inner world, and connect with peers—all in a supportive and fun environment.


Program Details

📅 Dates: December 16–20
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM daily
💵 Cost: $175 (all materials included)

📍 Location: ONLINE


Why Join?

  • Express Emotions Creatively: Tweens will use art as a tool to navigate feelings and experiences.
  • Foster Connection: A safe space to connect with peers during the winter season.
  • No Art Skills Required: This is about expression, not perfection!

Who Should Join?

  • Tweens aged 9–12 who are interested in exploring art as a form of self-expression.
  • Those seeking support for stress, anxiety, or the winter blues.
  • Teens looking for meaningful connections during the holiday season.

Reserve Your Spot Today!

Spaces are limited to ensure a personalized experience. Register now to secure your teen’s spot in this transformative winter program.


Questions?

Feel free to reach out at:
📧 Email: Esmeralda@lifecompasscounseling.com
📞 Phone: (909) 682-5352‬


Help your tween find warmth, connection, and creativity.

Jul 12

Rediscover Healing Connection: Embrace In-Person Psychotherapy Sessions

By Cisais | Anxiety and Trauma

In a world where technology has become an integral part of our lives, there is an undeniable allure to the convenience and accessibility it offers. From virtual meetings to online therapy sessions, we have witnessed an incredible transformation in how we connect with others. However, amidst this digital revolution, the value of in-person interactions should not be overlooked. As a psychotherapist, I am excited to extend an invitation to all individuals seeking personal growth and healing to experience the transformative power of in-person psychotherapy sessions.

The Power of Physical Presence


There is a profound and unique energy that emerges when two individuals share the same physical space. In-person psychotherapy sessions provide an opportunity for a deep, authentic connection, enabling both therapist and client to build trust and rapport. The subtleties of body language, facial expressions, and non-verbal cues often reveal more than words can convey, fostering a richer therapeutic experience.

Creating a Safe Haven


The therapy room serves as a sanctuary—a safe space where individuals can explore their emotions, vulnerabilities, and traumas without judgment. In-person sessions create an environment conducive to emotional healing, where clients can feel secure and supported. The presence of a compassionate psychotherapist, physically present, enhances the sense of safety and encourages clients to dive deeper into their healing journey.

Tailored Therapy Approaches


In-person sessions allow for the utilization of a wide array of therapeutic approaches and interventions that can be adapted to the client’s unique needs. Whether it’s experiential techniques, body-centered therapies, or somatic exercises, being physically present enables therapists to employ modalities that require physical touch or proximity. These approaches can greatly enhance the effectiveness of therapy, facilitating emotional release and promoting holistic healing.

Connection in a Disconnected World


In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, many individuals experience a deep sense of disconnection and loneliness. In-person psychotherapy sessions offer an opportunity to bridge this gap by fostering authentic human connection. The presence of a compassionate therapist creates a supportive bond, reminding clients that they are not alone in their struggles. This shared experience provides solace, validation, and a sense of belonging that can be profoundly healing.

Stepping Out of Comfort Zones


Sometimes, growth and healing require stepping out of our comfort zones. In-person psychotherapy sessions can challenge individuals to confront their fears and anxieties surrounding social interactions. By engaging in face-to-face therapy, clients can develop resilience, build interpersonal skills, and experience personal growth that extends beyond the therapy room.

While technology has undoubtedly revolutionized various aspects of our lives, the essence of human connection remains vital for our well-being. In-person psychotherapy sessions provide a unique opportunity to cultivate genuine, transformative connections in a safe and supportive environment. As a psychotherapist, I invite you to embrace the power of in-person therapy, allowing yourself to embark on a profound healing journey that extends far beyond the boundaries of the digital world.

Rediscover the beauty of personal connection and take that courageous step toward holistic healing through in-person psychotherapy sessions. Your path to personal growth and emotional well-being awaits you.In a world where technology has become an integral part of our lives, there is an undeniable allure to the convenience and accessibility it offers. From virtual meetings to online therapy sessions, we have witnessed an incredible transformation in how we connect with others. However, amidst this digital revolution, the value of in-person interactions should not be overlooked. As a psychotherapist, I am excited to extend an invitation to all individuals seeking personal growth and healing to experience the transformative power of in-person psychotherapy sessions.

Jan 03

Legal Update: No Surprise Act

By Cisais | Anxiety and Trauma

Happy New Year!

In December 2020, Congress passed the No Surprises Act to reduce unexpected medical bills on patients. This goes went into effect January 1, 2022. New information about this law and requirements just became available. Below you will find information regarding this law and links to gather more information

There are important requirements when seeking out of network care or if you are uninsured. The information is somewhat unclear as to how this impacts our relationship, however I am taking a proactive step to address this and provide notice and documents. 

You will find 2 forms to complete prior to our next appointment. These forms in no way change or supersede our current billing arrangements

  1. A Good Faith Estimate for 2022, based on our highest clinical rates, although your rate may be lower if you have made prior arrangements with your clinician.
  2. A notice of acknowledgment regarding about Good Faith Estimates

Information regarding this law and links to gather more information

According to The Center for Medicare and Medicaid services : https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises/consumers/new-protections-for-you

What are surprise medical bills?

If you have health insurance and get care from an out-of-network provider or at an out-of-network facility, your health plan may not cover the entire out-of-network cost. This can leave you with higher costs than if you got care from an in-network provider or facility. In the past, in addition to any out-of-network cost sharing you might owe, the out-of-network provider or facility could bill you for the difference between the billed charge and the amount your health plan paid, unless banned by state law. This is called “balance billing.” An unexpected balance bill from an out-of-network provider is also called a surprise medical bill.

What are the new protections if I have health insurance?

If you get health coverage through your employer, the Health Insurance Marketplace®, or an individual health insurance plan you purchase directly from an insurance company, these new rules will:

  • Ban surprise bills for emergency services, even if you get them out-of-network and without approval beforehand (prior authorization).
  • Ban out-of-network cost-sharing (like out-of-network coinsurance or copayments) for all emergency and some non-emergency services. You can’t be charged more than in-network cost-sharing for these services.
  • Ban out-of-network charges and balance bills for supplemental care (like anesthesiology or radiology) by out-of-network providers who work at an in-network facility.
  • Require that health care providers and facilities give you an easy-to-understand notice explaining that getting care out-of-network could be more expensive and options to avoid balance bills. You’re not required to sign this notice or get care out-of-network.

What if I don’t have health insurance or choose to pay for care on my own without using my health insurance?

If you don’t have insurance or you choose to pay for care without using your insurance (also known as “self-paying” for care), these new rules make sure you can get a “good faith” estimate of how much your care will cost, before you get care.

Are there exceptions to these protections?

Some health insurance coverage programs already have protections against high medical bills. You’re already protected against surprise medical billing if you have coverage through Medicare, Medicaid, Indian Health Services, Veterans Affairs Health Care, or TRICARE.

Regarding Good Faith Estimates: https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises/consumers/understanding-costs-in-advance

Getting cost estimates before you get an item or service if you’re uninsured or self-pay

Beginning January 1, 2022, if you’re uninsured or you pay for health care bills yourself (don’t have your claims submitted to your health plan), health care providers and facilities must provide you with an estimate of expected charges before you get an item or service. This is called a “good faith estimate.” Providers and facilities must provide you with a good faith estimate if you request one, or after you’ve scheduled an item or service. It should include expected charges for the primary item or service you’re getting, and any other items or services that are provided as part of the same scheduled experience.

Thank you for your cooperation!

davis ca online teletherapy
Apr 02

Experience Professional Therapy From Anywhere: Online Sessions That Actually Work

By Cisais | Anxiety and Trauma

Ready to prioritize your mental health without the hassle of commuting or waiting rooms?

Online therapy (also called teletherapy or telehealth) connects you with  licensed therapists through secure video sessions from the comfort of your own space.

Whether you’re juggling a busy schedule, managing transportation challenges, or simply prefer the privacy of your own environment, online therapy offers the same professional care as in-person sessions—with added convenience and flexibility.

Why Choose Online Therapy?

Proven Results: Extensive research confirms that online therapy is just as effective as traditional face-to-face therapy for treating depression, anxiety, panic disorders, and many other mental health concerns. Studies consistently show that clients experience lasting improvements and high satisfaction rates.

Perfect For:

  • Busy professionals who struggle with traditional appointment times
  • Parents managing childcare responsibilities
  • Individuals in rural areas with limited local options
  • Anyone who feels more comfortable opening up in their own space
  • Couples seeking relationship counseling from home
  • Teens who prefer digital communication

The Life Compass Advantage:

  • No software downloads or complicated tech setup
  • Flexible scheduling including evening and weekend options
  • Secure, HIPAA-compliant platform
  • Same licensed therapists, same quality care
  • Ability to include family members or other support people when helpful

Getting Started Is Simple

All you need is a private space and a device with internet access. We’ll handle the rest. Your first session takes just minutes to join—no technical expertise required.

Concerned about privacy or technology? We’ll walk you through everything during your free consultation and ensure you feel completely comfortable before your first session.

Take the First Step Today

Free 15-Minute Consultation Available

Not sure if online therapy is right for you? Let’s talk. During your complimentary consultation, we’ll discuss your goals, answer your questions, and help you determine if we’re the right fit.

Call or text us at 530.341.8180 or complete our quick form to get started.

Why wait? Your mental health matters today, not someday

Request a Free Phone Consult


Life Compass Therapy: Professional mental health care that fits your life.

Oct 25

What is Play Therapy?

By Cisais | Anxiety and Trauma

As psychotherapists, our focus is in child development and play therapy. We use a playful and individualized approach to empower children to cooperate, self-regulate and effectively communicate their needs.

Play therapy is most often used with children ages 3-12 and usually occurs in weekly sessions.  Some children’s behaviors may improve very quickly with play therapy (averaging 15-20 sessions), while others may have more serious or ongoing problems that may take longer to resolve. Play therapy works best when a parent, family member, or caretaker is supportive and actively involved in the treatment process.

Why Play Therapy?

Developmentally, even the brightest children have not developed the capacity to use the insight-based verbal reasoning– which is needed to be successful in one-on-one talk therapy. What works in the world of play therapy is that it play can be used as a language by the child,  overcoming the challenge of more traditional language-based communication while still allowing the therapist to assess and respond to the underlying needs of the child-client. Also, because therapy sessions are child-centered, there is less resistance and often more rapid change than with talk therapy.

Play therapy is different from regular “playdates” because in these specialized sessions, therapeutic space is created to allow the child-client to express, address, and resolve the challenges they have faced. Play provides a psychological distancing from a child’s issues and allows expression of thoughts and feelings– which is the process work of therapy. Through play, therapists can help children learn more adaptive behaviors when there are emotional or social skills deficits. Children learn to communicate with others, express feelings, modify behavior, develop problem-solving skills, and learn a variety of ways of relating to others. Even the most troubling problems can be confronted in play therapy and lasting resilience can be discovered, rehearsed, mastered, and adapted into lifelong strategies.

Play therapy is effective with children experiencing life stressors, such as relocation, hospitalization, chronic illness, abuse, domestic violence, and natural disasters. Therapeutic play and can be used with children dealing with:

  • anger management
  • grief and loss
  • divorce, family dissolution, and abandonment
  • crises and trauma
  • anxiety
  • depression
  • ADHD
  • Autism or pervasive developmental disorder
  • academic and social problems
  • learning disabilities
  • conduct disorders
Nov 16

Thinking As a Way of Being

By Cisais | Health , Motivation and Choice

second thoughtsThose of us on the path of personal and spiritual growth have a tendency to analyze our unhappiness in order to find the causes and make improvements. But it is just as important, if not more so, to analyze our happiness. Since we have the ability to rise above and observe our emotions, we can recognize when we are feeling joyful and content. Then we can harness the power of the moment by savoring our feelings and taking time to be grateful for them.

Recognition is the first step in creating change, therefore recognizing what it feels like to be happy is the first step toward sustaining happiness in our lives. We can examine how joy feels in our bodies and what thoughts run through our minds in times of bliss. Without diminishing its power, we can retrace our steps to discover what may have put us in this frame of mind, and then we can take note of the choices we’ve made while there. We might realize that we are generally more giving and forgiving when there’s a smile on our face, or that we are more likely to laugh off small annoyances and the actions of others when they don’t resonate with our light mood.

Once we know what it feels like and can identify some of the triggers and are aware of our actions, we can recreate that happiness when we are feeling low. Knowing that like attracts like, we can pull ourselves out of a blue mood by focusing on joy. We might find that forcing ourselves to be giving and forgiving, even when it doesn’t seem to come naturally, helps us to reconnect with the joy that usually precedes it. If we can identify a song, a picture, or a pet as a happiness trigger, we can use them as tools to recapture joy if we are having trouble finding it. By focusing our energy on analyzing happiness and all that it encompasses, we feed, nurture, and attract more of it into our lives, eventually making a habit of happiness.

Nov 16

What is PTSD?

By Cisais | Anxiety and Trauma

PTSD is the acronym for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and refers to a cluster of symptoms that result from a past trauma. But what’s a trauma?. Trauma refers to a psychological or emotional imprint that occurs when an event or series events threatens our sense of safety or well-being to the extent that our minds react to protect us from any further exposure.

In order to protect ourselves until we are either healthy enough or supported well enough to address issues from the past, sometimes, our experience or memory of a traumatizing event can be compartmentalized or stored away. PTSD can be diagnosed as soon as 30 days after an event or as long as 30 years or more after an event. The good news is that the healing process can begin at any time.

Nov 12

Couples Therapy

By Cisais | Couples and Relationships

First, it is important to realize that couples therapy, marriage counseling, and marital therapy are all the same. These different names have been used to describe the same process, with the difference often based on which psychotherapy theory is favored by the psychologist using the term, or whether an insurance company requires a specific name for reimbursement.

Couples therapy is often seen as different from psychotherapy because a relationship is the focus of attention, instead of one individual diagnosed with a specific psychological problem. This difference only arises if you consider psychological problems to be similar to medical illnesses, and therefore confined to a “sick” individual who needs treatment. That medical model of psychological diagnosis and treatment is common, but is really inadequate to describe and resolve psychological problems. All psychological problems, and all psychological changes involve both individual symptoms (behavior, emotions, conflicts, thought processes) and changes in interpersonal relationships.

Couples therapy focuses on the problems existing in the relationship between two people. But, these relationship problems always involve individual symptoms and problems, as well as the relationship conflicts. For example, if you are constantly arguing with your spouse, you will probably also be chronically anxious, angry or depressed (or all three). Or, if you have difficulty controlling your temper, you will have more arguments with your partner.

In couples therapy, the therapist will help you and your partner identify the conflict issues within your relationship, and will help you decide what changes are needed, in the relationship and in the behavior of each partner, for both of you to feel satisfied with the relationship.

These changes may be different ways of interacting within the relationship, or they may be individual changes related to personal psychological problems. Couples therapy involves learning how to communicate more effectively, and how to listen more closely. Couples must learn how to avoid competing with each other and need to identify common life goals and how to share responsibilities within their relationship. Sometimes the process is very similar to individual psychotherapy, sometimes it is more like mediation, and sometimes it is educational. The combination of these three components is what makes it effective.

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