

The Unhappy Professional
Imposter Syndrome Therapy for High-Achieving Professionals
You’ve built the resume.
You’ve earned the title.
But deep down, you’re still waiting to be found out...


Online therapy for high-achieving individuals who want relief, clarity, strategy, and psychological depth — not just talk.
What Is Imposter Syndrome—Really?
It’s more than just self-doubt.
Imposter Syndrome is the persistent belief that your success is a fluke—that you’ve fooled everyone into thinking you’re smarter, more competent, or more capable than you really are.
Even if you’re an executive, physician, founder, lawyer, or leader…
Even if the data says otherwise.
That gap—between how the world sees you and how you feel on the inside—becomes exhausting to carry.


You downplay accomplishments or over-explain successes
You’re hyper-aware of what you don’t know
Praise makes you uncomfortable—it feels undeserved
You overwork to “earn” your role, even if no one’s asking you to
You're terrified someone will "see through" you
Here’s the kicker: Most of our clients who struggle with imposter syndrome don’t come off as insecure. They come off as polished, in control—and often over-functioning.
Signs You’re Stuck in the Imposter Loop
Imposter syndrome isn’t just a mindset. It becomes a strategy—a defense mechanism.
One that:
Fuels burnout
Blocks genuine confidence
Makes success feel empty
Keeps you from enjoying what you’ve built
Worse, it robs you of your internal permission to do your best work. Because when you’re playing defense, you’re not playing free.


The Cost of Living with Imposter Syndrome
You weren’t born feeling like a fraud.
You probably learned to rely on intelligence early—maybe because you had to.
You got good at winning the game without needing support.
But no one taught you how to internalize success, regulate your nervous system, or feel safe being seen.
That’s where therapy comes in.
Why Smart People Are Prone to This


Shameka Fridenstine, LCSW-S
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Master of Science , Social Work
University of Louisville
Currently Full
Waitlist Accepted
I understand first hand how difficult it can be to carry the weight of unresolved emotional pain. My diverse personal and professional experiences have given me a deep appreciation for how unique each individual’s journey is.
Whether it’s healing from childhood trauma, navigating relationship difficulties, or overcoming professional stress, I’m here to help you find the peace and fulfillment you deserve.


Zack Rothwell, PMHNP
Psychiatric Health Nurse Practitioner
Master of Science - UNC Chapel Hill
Accepting New Clients
What clients say:
“Zack was a patient and caring guide through a difficult time.
He provided a therapeutic relationship that offered a balance of support and challenge, helping me build a stronger foundation from which to live my life.
Through EMDR I was also able to travel to the root of many beliefs that were stifling my growth — making core changes to how I see myself and my world — opening up more love in all directions.
I’m grateful.”
-AB
Executives who keep waiting "to be found out"
Founders afraid to hire because they “aren’t real CEOs”
Physicians with impressive credentials and zero self-trust
Lawyers who prep obsessively and can’t enjoy the win
Creatives afraid they just “got lucky”
Women & Men whose identity was built around never showing weakness
Who We Work With
What Success Looks Like
Clients often report:
Relief from chronic anxiety and over-preparing
The ability to accept compliments without bracing
More grounded, stable confidence in leadership roles
Better delegation and less micromanagement
Emotional energy freed up to focus on long-term goals
They stop managing impressions—and start trusting their presence.


At The Unhappy Professional, we don’t give surface-level affirmations or vague mindset hacks. We specialize in therapy for high-achieving professionals—people like you—who want to resolve the internal barriers holding them back from feeling legitimate.
We use:
EMDR therapy to reprocess the root experiences behind the fraud narrative
Business psychology to align your inner self with your outer success
Targeted interventions to build emotional authority—not just behavioral confidence
This isn’t about “faking it till you make it.”
You already made it. It’s time to feel that internally.
This Isn’t Coaching. This Is EMDR and Business Psychology
All sessions are private pay. No insurance. No diagnoses required. Just deep, efficient, professional therapy.
Day & Evening Availability
55-minute sessions, $250
Virtual appointments available in: CO, DC, NC, NY, VA, TX & WA


Virtual Appointments. Real Results.
Success without peace of mind isn’t success.
If imposter syndrome is draining your energy and robbing you of fulfillment, it’s time to do the deeper work.
🎯 Book a Free Consultation Today
Start Clearing The Mental Static
You don’t have to keep waiting for permission to feel legitimate.