In today’s society, the image of the "good girl" is often celebrated. She is the woman who excels academically, climbs the career ladder with apparent ease, and manages to juggle numerous responsibilities flawlessly. However, this seemingly perfect façade can often mask deep-seated issues stemming from childhood trauma. As a licensed therapist specializing in somatic and talk therapy, I have worked with many high-achieving women who exhibit what is commonly referred to as "good girl syndrome." This article explores the connection between childhood trauma and high achieving behaviors, the symptoms of good girl syndrome, and how these women can find themselves trapped in toxic workplaces due to their heightened distress tolerance.

Trauma is a deeply distressing experience that can leave lasting imprints on an individual's mental, emotional, and physical well-being. While trauma is often associated with adverse effects on one's life, it is essential to recognize that some individuals develop coping mechanisms that propel them towards high achievement. In this article, we will explore the relationship between trauma and high achievement, delving into the neurobiology behind trauma and its impact on the flight/fight/freeze response. Additionally, we will identify ten signs that may indicate high achievement is rooted in trauma, and provide ten mindful and embodied strategies to manage the potentially problematic aspects of being a high achiever.

In our modern society, the emphasis on the mind and intellect often overshadows the importance of the body and emotions. We are encouraged to think, analyze, and communicate primarily through language, leaving little room for nonverbal expression. As a result, we may find ourselves disconnected from our bodies and emotions, leading to unprocessed trauma and emotional blockages. Somatic therapy offers a refreshing alternative, acknowledging the body's innate wisdom and its role in healing, and providing a path to liberation from the constraints of the mind.

In a fast paced world and with a desire to always improve and be better than the next, it is becoming increasingly difficult to keep up and maintain the satisfaction of success. As a self-proclaimed “perfectionist,” I know this feeling all too well. The desire to produce and succeed often results in losing sight of the purpose of our hard work. We become resentful, exhausted, and burned-out.

“The most exquisite paradox: as soon as you give it all up, you can have it all. As long as you want power, you can’t have it. The minute you don’t want power, you’ll have more than you ever dreamed possible.” ~ Ram Dass