The Best Therapy for High Functioning Anxiety
Before I became a therapist, I struggled with high functioning anxiety and often wondered: Which therapy actually works? High functioning anxiety doesn’t stop you from succeeding, but it creates constant mental tension, chronic stress, and a persistent sense of never being enough.
If you feel exhausted by racing thoughts, perfectionism, or internal pressure—despite appearing “fine” to others—there are therapies that can help you process your anxiety, regulate your nervous system, and finally experience real relief.
What High Functioning Anxiety Looks Like
High functioning anxiety isn’t a formal diagnosis. Instead, it describes people who appear successful, composed, and capable while experiencing significant internal anxiety.
If this is you, others may see someone who excels in high-pressure environments, leads teams, or manages responsibilities seamlessly. But internally, you may:
Experience intense, persistent stress
Feel like you’re never doing enough
Worry that others are judging or criticizing you
Struggle to rest without guilt
This disconnect—competent on the outside, overwhelmed on the inside—is the hallmark of high functioning anxiety.
The #1 Factor in Effective Therapy: Your Relationship With Your Therapist
Research shows that the strongest predictor of successful therapy outcomes is the therapeutic alliance—your trust and connection with your therapist.
When you experience your therapist as attuned, warm, and invested, you’re more likely to explore difficult emotions safely. Conversely, when a therapist feels distant or disinterested, people with high functioning anxiety often stay stuck in “performing wellness.”
Before choosing a therapy type, choose a therapist you feel safe with.
Why Talk Therapy Alone Often Isn’t Enough for High Functioning Anxiety
Many clients share similar stories about past therapy:
“It felt like I was just venting.”
“I kept getting worksheets I never used.”
“I didn’t feel any real relief.”
High functioning anxiety is often rooted in overthinking, perfectionism, and chronic nervous system activation. Traditional talk therapy addresses thoughts but often leaves the body’s stored tension unresolved.
Effective therapy must support your nervous system, not just your cognition.
The Best Therapy for High Functioning Anxiety: Body + Mind Approaches
Our culture often treats the mind and body as separate. Neuroscience shows they are deeply interconnected, and effective therapy addresses both.
In my clinical experience, the most effective approach combines Brainspotting and Internal Family Systems (IFS):
Brainspotting: Processing Anxiety at the Nervous System Level
Brainspotting identifies and processes stored emotional patterns driving chronic anxiety. Instead of overanalyzing every last detail, your nervous system learns to release tension.
Benefits:
Reduces mental hyperactivity and internal tension
Supports nervous system regulation
Allows emotional processing beyond words
Internal Family Systems (IFS): Quieting Internal Critics
IFS identifies and harmonizes the inner parts that drive perfectionism, worry, and self-criticism. These parts develop for a reason and therapy helps them soften so you can experience clarity and calm.
Benefits:
Decreases self-criticism and internal pressure
Builds self-trust and emotional resilience
Helps you understand why anxiety appears
Together, Brainspotting and IFS help you stop merely talking about anxiety and start experiencing genuine relief.
Relief From High Functioning Anxiety Is Possible
If you’ve lived with high functioning anxiety, it’s only natural to want effective solutions. There are no shortcuts, but some therapy methods treat anxiety at its root rather than just its surface symptoms.
If talking without relief has been your experience, working with a therapist who integrates both mind and body is likely the next step toward meaningful change.
Looking for therapy for high functioning anxiety in Colorado or Oregon?
If you currently living in either Colorado or Oregon and want to start therapy, click the button below to read over the FAQs and book your free consultation. I typically approve consultation requests within 24 hours of receiving them (though sometimes I’m a bit faster than that).
If you live in a state other than Colorado or Oregon (or if you live outside the United States), you’ll need to search for a therapist who’s licensed to practice where you live.
I’m Halle! An anxiety therapist in Colorado and Oregon.
I work with adults who are ready for anxiety to stop running (and ruining!) their lives. You can work with me in either 1:1 weekly therapy, or in a therapy intensive.
If you live in either Colorado or Oregon, I’d love to work with you. Book your free intro call to get started!
