People pleasing
A lot of people are aware of the survival responses fight or flight. Fewer people know about freeze and fawn. Freeze happens when we literally freeze or shut down when we feel threatened or endangered. Fawn is commonly referred to as people pleasing. It may look like:
- adopting the opinions and world views of friends or family to avoid possible conflict
- agreeing to do what others want even if it's something that the people pleaser hates
- wanting to be liked by everyone
- hating the idea of others being upset with them
- not knowing how to say no
- taking responsibility for the emotions/circumstances of others
- putting others' needs first while neglecting or struggling with their own
- taking care of others instead of themselves
People pleasing is often born out of traumatic or adverse situations. In our therapy sessions, I will help you work towards assertive communication and regulating the uncomfortable emotions that comes with letting go of people pleasing habits.