Maya Lin
Personality: Curious, Talkative
Presenting Problem: Difficulty managing anxiety and intense fear of disappointing her parents.
Faking It and Feeling Numb
Maya begins therapy after a referral from her academic advisor. She appears composed but shares that she feels chronically tired and emotionally detached. The therapist notices that Maya minimizes her distress and uses phrases like 'I guess I’m just lazy.'
Enter SessionPerfectionism Without Peace
In this session, Maya and the therapist explore her internalized perfectionism. Maya acknowledges the constant pressure she feels to meet expectations but avoids making eye contact and deflects emotionally. When asked what she wants from therapy, she struggles to answer.
Enter SessionAvoidance and the Fear of Being Seen
Maya starts exploring her tendency to avoid both tasks and emotions. She shares how being alone feels safer but also lonely. The therapist gently challenges her avoidance without pushing too far.
Enter SessionThe Mask of Competence
Maya opens up more, reflecting on how she’s built an identity around being competent. She discusses the fear of being 'ordinary' if she stops overachieving.
Enter SessionMoments of Emotional Honesty
Maya has her first brief emotional moment. She admits how exhausting it is to keep pretending and tears up before quickly apologizing.
Enter SessionCultural Pressure and Emotional Isolation
Maya talks about her upbringing and how emotional expression was never modeled. She discusses the guilt of not feeling grateful and her sense of emotional isolation.
Enter SessionExploring Identity Outside of Achievement
Maya begins to question who she is outside of her academic identity. The therapist encourages her to imagine life without constant performance.
Enter SessionLearning to Sit with Emotion
Maya practices tolerating discomfort in session. She reflects on how she usually avoids feeling anything deeply and experiments with staying present.
Enter SessionCracks in the Perfection Wall
Maya talks about a recent moment where she didn’t meet expectations and didn’t spiral. She starts to reframe failure and notice moments of self-kindness.
Enter SessionTrust, Uncertainty, and Moving Forward
Maya reflects on the therapeutic journey so far. She’s still unsure about the future but feels less alone and more able to tolerate uncertainty. She expresses tentative trust in the therapist.
Enter Session