Tracie Giffin
I work with smart, capable people who spend much of their time handling responsibilities, solving problems, and showing up for others - but struggle to say no, let go of perfectionism, or give themselves permission to slow down and just relax for a bit. I offer a thoughtful space to get curious about the expectations you place on yourself, why slowing down can feel so uncomfortable, and why saying no or disappointing others can leave you feeling anxious and guilt-ridden ~even when you know you want to. Together, we'll explore the patterns behind the challenges and find ways to make life feel a little easier and more sustainable.
Ever wonder why you keep doing what you know isn't working? Grab a seat, and let's figure it out.
First session
Our first session will involve a little housekeeping on my end, and then we can go wherever feels comfortable for you. You don't have to show up perfectly organized with a list of things to talk about or know exactly what to say. We'll figure it out together and take it from there. There's no right or wrong way to do this. A lot of people come in feeling nervous and leave thinking, "Well, that wasn't nearly as weird as I thought it would be." I think it's because it feels less like talking to a therapist and more like talking to someone who gets it.
Strengths
I'm pretty down-to-earth and direct, but also compassionate and understanding...because I get it. I ask questions, help connect the dots, and sometimes point out things you might not have noticed about yourself. I'm not here to judge you or tell you how to live your life. I'm here to help you make sense of things, figure out what works for you, and maybe challenge a few of those assumptions you've been carrying around for years.
Ideal clients
I enjoy working with people who look like they've got it all together but underneath feel overwhelmed, anxious, stuck in perfectionism, or know they're people-pleasers but can't seem to stop doing it. I especially enjoy working with people who are ready to go a little deeper than the typical journaling exercises and yoga poses. This work isn't just about learning to relax or manage stress. It's about understanding yourself, and realizing you don't have to be perfect to be perfectly okay.
Treatment methods
Psychodynamic
In my practice, we get curious about why certain patterns keep showing up in your life, even when you know they're not working for you. Together, we'll explore how past experiences, relationships, and expectations you've carried for years may be influencing how you think, feel, and respond today. The goal isn't to dwell on the past, but to understand yourself better so you can make different choices moving forward. It's about connecting the dots, recognizing patterns you may not have noticed, and figuring out what you want life to look like moving forward.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Ever feel like you have a running conversation with yourself? One voice tells you to slow down, while another reminds you of everything you still need to do. One part of you wants to say no, while another worries about disappointing someone. IFS helps us explore that internal back-and-forth, understand what's driving it, and find ways to feel less pulled in different directions.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
We all have little stories that launch in our heads about ourselves, other people, and what's happening around us. Those stories are shaped by our past experiences and the beliefs we've developed along the way. Sometimes they're spot on, and sometimes we're filling in the blanks, making assumptions, or telling ourselves a story that leaves us feeling anxious, guilty, or stuck. CBT helps us catch those little narratives, where they come from, and whether they're actually helping you or getting in your way.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Serves
Doesn't specialize in
- ADHD
- Addiction
- Addiction / Substance Use
- Anger Management
- Bipolar Disorder
- Child or Adolescent
- Chronic Illness / Medical Issues
- Couples Counseling
- Health/Medical Issues
- High Clinical Acuity
- Individual Therapy
- Learning / School Challenges
- Loneliness / Isolation
- Medication Management
- Military/Veterans
- Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
- Perinatal / Postpartum
- Postpartum
- Serious Mental Illness / Crisis
- Sex Therapy
- Sexual Health
- Spirituality
Licensed in
- OhioLicense E.0600520