Second Sunrise Therapy PLLC
Lydia Storey-Lopez, MA, LPC, LAC * EMDRIA Certified * 25+ Years Experience
What may be happening

There is usually more underneath the symptom.

People-pleasing often has a protective purpose. Learning where it came from can make it easier to choose boundaries without turning every “no” into a crisis.

You do not have to arrive with the perfect explanation or diagnosis. We can start with what you are noticing now and make sense of the pattern together.

How I work with this

Understanding first. Change at a pace that fits.

We can explore the beliefs and protective parts underneath people-pleasing, practice boundaries, and build the capacity to tolerate someone else’s disappointment without abandoning yourself.

My approach may draw from EMDR, parts/ego-state work, nervous-system regulation, ACT, CBT, and other evidence-informed strategies depending on what fits you.

See How I Work →
A Related Article

Why Does Setting Boundaries Feel So Uncomfortable?

A boundary can be healthy and still feel deeply uncomfortable when keeping other people happy once helped you feel safe.

Read the article →
You may recognize yourself here

You don't have to be in crisis to begin.

You say yes before checking what you actually want.
Someone else’s disappointment feels like your responsibility.
You avoid conflict even when something matters deeply to you.
You apologize when you have not done anything wrong.
You are not sure where caring for others ends and over-responsibility begins.
Your Next Chapter

Maybe this is your second sunrise.

You don't have to know exactly what's wrong before you reach out.

See If We’re a Good Fit