https://www.balancepathway.com/blog daily 0.75 2026-06-05 https://www.balancepathway.com/blog/managing-frustration-know-your-should-rules monthly 0.5 2026-06-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60c2502f386fce76582ddc78/1742348764651-80XV3L6IWPV452M1AYLV/unsplash-image-sLrw_Cx6u_I.jpg Blog - Managing Frustration: Know Your "Should" Rules - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.balancepathway.com/blog/why-high-functioning-anxiety-is-exhausting monthly 0.5 2026-06-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60c2502f386fce76582ddc78/1780679594412-AN285LJCW3KUM9248XM9/unsplash-image-iilKuZrC0fw.jpg Blog - Why High-Functioning Anxiety Is Exhausting - Make it stand out High-functioning anxiety can be difficult to recognize because externally, many people appear successful, responsible, productive, and highly capable. They meet deadlines. They handle responsibilities. They show up for other people. But internally, they may feel like they are constantly running on pressure, tension, self-monitoring, and mental overdrive. A lot of people with high-functioning anxiety live with: · chronic overthinking · fear of making mistakes · perfectionism · difficulty relaxing · guilt when resting · constant mental planning · trouble slowing down · self-imposed pressure · difficulty feeling “done” with anything Because they continue functioning, other people often do not realize how exhausting it feels internally. They describe feeling like their nervous system never fully powers down. Even during downtime, the brain may continue reviewing conversations, anticipating problems, planning ahead, worrying about performance, mentally checking possibilities and/or preparing for wors-case scenarios. Over time, this can lead to emotional exhaustion, irritability, burnout, sleep problems, physical tension, and difficulty being present in relationships. One of the challenges with high-functioning anxiety is that the anxiety itself often becomes tied to identity and productivity. People sometimes fear: “If I stop pushing myself this hard, everything will fall apart.” Therapy is not about eliminating ambition, responsibility, or motivation. It is about helping people develop healthier and more sustainable ways of functioning without relying entirely on pressure, fear, and overcontrol to stay productive. Learning how to slow down mentally may feel unfamiliar at first. But over time, reducing chronic internal pressure often leads to clearer thinking, better emotional balance, and more flexibility overall. https://www.balancepathway.com/blog/perfectionism-and-moral-ocd monthly 0.5 2026-06-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60c2502f386fce76582ddc78/1780675114848-PKDD5TBZ4FFYLY9P12TY/unsplash-image-_yd2kzQNGyY.jpg Blog - Perfectionism and Moral OCD - Make it stand out Perfectionism is not always about achievement, organization, or productivity. Sometimes perfectionism becomes deeply tied to morality. People with moral OCD often feel intense pressure to be completely good, responsible, ethical, honest, careful, or morally certain at all times. Small mistakes, ambiguous situations, or uncomfortable thoughts can trigger overwhelming guilt and self-doubt. Many people with moral OCD spend enormous amounts of time mentally reviewing situations trying to answer questions like: · “What if I hurt someone without realizing it?” · “What if I was manipulative?” · “What if I handled that wrong?” · “What if I am actually a bad person?” · “What if I am ignoring something important?” Because the fear is tied to morality and identity, reassurance often does not last very long. Even when others say: “You did nothing wrong,” the brain keeps searching for certainty. Perfectionism tends to intensify this cycle because the person is not just hoping to be “good enough.” They often feel they must avoid moral mistakes completely. That creates impossible standards. Human interactions are messy. Memory is imperfect. Intentions are not always fully knowable. Absolute certainty about morality does not exist but for people struggling with moral OCD, this uncertainty can feel intolerable. Many clients are thoughtful, conscientious, empathetic people who become trapped in endless mental checking because they care deeply about doing the right thing. Therapy focuses on helping people step out of compulsive guilt and mental review cycles while learning to tolerate uncertainty around imperfection, mistakes, and moral ambiguity. The goal is not becoming careless or unethical. It is reducing the exhausting need to achieve complete moral certainty before feeling allowed to move on. https://www.balancepathway.com/blog/why-intrusive-thoughts-feel-so-convincing monthly 0.5 2026-06-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60c2502f386fce76582ddc78/1780674639754-SMNHXN0NZD56VRVDSBO5/unsplash-image-2e6aFMFAHuw.jpg Blog - Why Intrusive Thoughts Feel So Convincing - Make it stand out One of the most distressing things about intrusive thoughts is not just the content of the thought itself. It is how believable and emotionally charged the thought can feel. People often say things like: “But what if this thought means something?” “What if I secretly want this?” “What if I’m ignoring something important?” The brain tends to treat emotionally threatening thoughts differently than neutral ones. We all have strange, random, or disturbing thoughts occasionally. The difference with OCD and anxiety is that the brain flags certain thoughts as dangerous or highly significant. Once that happens, attention narrows around the thought. The person starts monitoring their reactions, memories, emotions, intentions and their level of certainty. The more attention and fear attached to the thought, the more important and convincing it begins to feel. This can create a cycle where: 1. The thought appears 2. Anxiety spikes 3. The person tries to analyze or neutralize it 4. Temporary relief occurs 5. The brain learns the thought must be important 6. The thought returns even stronger The repeated presence of the thought is interpreted as proof that something is wrong when in reality, repetition is often a sign that the brain has become stuck in a fear-and-monitoring loop. Another reason intrusive thoughts feel convincing is because anxious brains tend to overestimate threat and responsibility. The mind starts treating uncertainty itself as dangerous. The goal in therapy is not usually to prove the thought false with perfect certainty. Ironically, that often strengthens the cycle. Instead, treatment focuses on helping clients respond differently to the thought so it stops carrying so much emotional urgency and meaning. Over time, intrusive thoughts often become less powerful when they are no longer treated like emergencies that must be solved immediately.ns, https://www.balancepathway.com/blog/the-difference-between-overthinking-and-problem-solving monthly 0.5 2026-06-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60c2502f386fce76582ddc78/1780674172669-6XYZ8BMY0KG3L7JTQKPN/unsplash-image-zoCDWPuiRuA.jpg Blog - The Difference Between Overthinking and Problem Solving - Make it stand out Many people who struggle with anxiety or OCD believe they are “just trying to figure things out.” The problem is that overthinking often disguises itself as problem solving. Both involve thinking carefully about situations, consequences, and decisions. But they function very differently. Problem solving usually moves toward action, clarity, or resolution. Overthinking usually moves in circles. You revisit the same question repeatedly, search for perfect certainty, replay conversations, imagine every possible outcome, or try to predict and prevent mistakes before they happen. At first, this can feel productive. It creates the illusion of control. But eventually, many people notice that despite all the thinking: · they still do not feel certain · anxiety keeps increasing · decisions become harder · they feel mentally exhausted · they become stuck instead of clearer One useful question is: “Is this thought process helping me move forward, or is it keeping me trapped in analysis?” Problem solving tends to have limits. Overthinking often has no clear stopping point because the brain keeps demanding more certainty, more reassurance, or more preparation. This is especially common in people who are: · perfectionistic · highly responsible · anxious about mistakes · uncomfortable with uncertainty · used to relying heavily on thinking for control Many clients are surprised to realize that overthinking is often less about finding answers and more about trying to reduce anxiety. The difficulty is that anxiety rarely stays reduced for long when overthinking becomes the primary coping strategy. Therapy can help people learn how to differentiate productive reflection from compulsive mental looping. Often, the goal is not “thinking less” but changing the relationship with uncertainty, self-doubt, and fear. https://www.balancepathway.com/blog/why-reassurance-keeps-ocd-going monthly 0.5 2026-06-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60c2502f386fce76582ddc78/1780673992809-S3SUSH64BR06B3Y42W11/unsplash-image-uTFiFYeQhlI.jpg Blog - Why Reassurance Keeps OCD Going https://www.balancepathway.com/blog/reconnecting-with-your-inner-child monthly 0.5 2025-02-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60c2502f386fce76582ddc78/1737748838708-QGKUU7WGV0L1OY5CH801/unsplash-image-h59X60iZ5sE.jpg Blog - Reconnecting with your Inner Child Your Inner Child (IC) is the collection of unprocessed emotions from childhood and adolescence that continue to shape your adult perceptions, reactions, and behaviors. When what you feel doesn’t align with what you think you should feel, it’s often your IC signaling unresolved experiences that need attention. https://www.balancepathway.com/blog/obsessive-compulsive-disorder monthly 0.5 2025-02-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60c2502f386fce76582ddc78/1719593425685-SLPDOAO2EK8JL4SKJ16L/image-asset.jpeg Blog - OCD: When Helpful Habits Become Overpowering - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.balancepathway.com/blog/fear-of-uncertainty monthly 0.5 2025-02-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60c2502f386fce76582ddc78/ca7e271a-b1a7-45a2-bcc3-d0477a33f5df/image-asset.jpg Blog - Fear of Uncertainty: When Not Knowing Feels Unbearable Imagine receiving the universally dreaded message from your supervisor, partner, or best friend: "We need to talk." Those four words, vague and without context, immediately spike your anxiety. "This can't be good," you think. But for your brain, that simple thought isn’t enough. You need to know exactly what's coming. In fact, you'd rather face bad news right now than sit with the discomfort of not knowing. https://www.balancepathway.com/blog/overthinking monthly 0.5 2025-02-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60c2502f386fce76582ddc78/1693262861649-RQUGJJDROMXB1AM1B2E8/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Overthinking - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.balancepathway.com/blog/constantly-seeking-reassurance monthly 0.5 2023-06-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60c2502f386fce76582ddc78/1686178530111-ED69C3OLOIXMNHYFMEVG/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Constantly seeking reassurance https://www.balancepathway.com/blog/how-to-use-mindfulness-to-regulate-emotions monthly 0.5 2023-02-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60c2502f386fce76582ddc78/1677026374116-VRSQH4MLEOQQ7Q1Z7DMI/unsplash-image-S297j2CsdlM.jpg Blog - How to use Mindfulness to regulate emotions - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.balancepathway.com/blog/are-you-a-worrier monthly 0.5 2022-08-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60c2502f386fce76582ddc78/1661278939148-2IEV1XY4KJKKZYW8MFBM/unsplash-image-LUYD2b7MNrg.jpg Blog - Are you a worrier? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.balancepathway.com/blog/obsessive-personality monthly 0.5 2022-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60c2502f386fce76582ddc78/1645210530476-YW27NBIA3KD8FHCYCAUZ/unsplash-image-NL_DF0Klepc.jpg Blog - Obsessive Personality - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.balancepathway.com/blog/whats-a-panic-attack monthly 0.5 2022-01-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60c2502f386fce76582ddc78/da1474d2-e728-45a0-b3db-089f439dd096/unsplash-image-2fyVQuQLh9k.jpg Blog - What’s a panic attack? A panic attack is an acute increase of anxiety that resembles a heart attack. When you experience a panic attack, you feel as if you are going to die, or that you are losing your mind, that there’s something wrong with you and it will never end. Pounding or racing heart, breathing difficulties, sweating or chills, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and tingly hands are some of the symptoms that people suffering from panic experience while having an attack. If you ever had these symptoms and your MD has ruled out heart problems or any other medical condition, you may suffer from a Panic Disorder. https://www.balancepathway.com/blog/negative-self-talk monthly 0.5 2021-09-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60c2502f386fce76582ddc78/1632936516716-2WWZ5FDEYHUB6XA18869/unsplash-image-9O7Vf7UUHZo.jpg Blog - Negative Self-Talk https://www.balancepathway.com/blog/indecisiveness-and-self-doubt monthly 0.5 2021-08-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60c2502f386fce76582ddc78/1628727380200-NDQPJV0Y0YUQR9H8R3UD/unsplash-image-BuNWp1bL0nc.jpg Blog - Indecisiveness and Self-doubt - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.balancepathway.com/blog/dialectical-behavior-therapy-and-emotional-self-regulation monthly 0.5 2021-07-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60c2502f386fce76582ddc78/1626651308900-2WXSLC1QQTAZH6SP4YSN/unsplash-image-BxHnbYyNfTg.jpg Blog - Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Emotional Self-regulation - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.balancepathway.com/blog/soul-kar7z monthly 0.5 2021-07-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60c2502f386fce76582ddc78/1623632378011-UOMJ54J5W4LG7MPKOL7C/unsplash-image-sCKtNbIKOuQ.jpg Blog - What is CBT (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy)? https://www.balancepathway.com/blog/summer-retreat-y7zh9 monthly 0.5 2021-07-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60c2502f386fce76582ddc78/1623632651722-09EB3NY3DLQ1FI5HHN9B/unsplash-image-Rn53LU1plZo.jpg Blog - Telehealth vs In-person therapy https://www.balancepathway.com/blog/yoga-crrg6 monthly 0.5 2021-07-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60c2502f386fce76582ddc78/1623632034339-O0W5319ZLRG6J0QGN8ZZ/unsplash-image-xj8qrWvuOEs.jpg Blog - I want to get myself into therapy but I’m scared https://www.balancepathway.com/blog/exploring-e2rxx monthly 0.5 2021-07-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60c2502f386fce76582ddc78/1623631805335-0TCHTLGJON5PXOTBXXYO/unsplash-image-AoqgGAqrLpU.jpg Blog - Am I a good client? https://www.balancepathway.com/home daily 1.0 2026-05-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60c2502f386fce76582ddc78/5a76c1d6-60cc-4794-a150-052ac26644b9/ProfilePic.jpg Home - I tend to be direct, practical, and collaborative in how I work. We’ll focus on understanding what’s actually happening and finding ways to approach it differently, without getting lost in overanalysis. The goal is for you to leave sessions with something you can use, not just something to think about. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60c2502f386fce76582ddc78/1623443917302-JB7X1HHEWAGYJ9GRBIBU/unsplash-image-z0nVqfrOqWA.jpg Home - Individual Counseling Sessions Customize a treatment plan that targets your specific needs and helps you reach your therapeutic goals https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60c2502f386fce76582ddc78/1623608842164-M9GOH5C2AE2XUV7VFB5J/unsplash-image-xYkVtNlkWOE.jpg Home - Creativity Burst If you work in the Entertainment Business, you are under stressors that require a certain understanding of the industry. Learn more about how we can meet your unique needs https://www.balancepathway.com/about daily 0.75 2026-05-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60c2502f386fce76582ddc78/70dd9a7a-5848-4e49-968e-5390cc6ce238/ProfilePic.jpg About - Marta Bringas MA, LPCC Founder & Clinician Marta is a California-licensed therapist with over 20 years of clinical experience working with anxiety-related concerns. Over the course of her career, her work has increasingly focused on OCD and anxiety disorders, particularly in adults who experience patterns such as intrusive thoughts, rumination, perfectionism, and a strong need for control or certainty. Her clinical approach has been shaped by years of working with clients who often have a high level of insight but continue to feel stuck in repetitive mental loops. This led her to develop a more structured and practical style of therapy, grounded in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), along with CBT and ACT, with an emphasis on helping clients change how they respond to internal experiences rather than trying to eliminate them. Marta’s work often resonates with individuals in high-demand professions, including those in the entertainment and creative industries, where performance pressure, uncertainty, and perfectionism can intensify anxiety-related patterns. She brings an understanding of these environments into her clinical work, while maintaining a focus on clear, actionable treatment. She provides telehealth services to adults across California and Oregon and, when appropriate, collaborates with prescribing providers to support continuity of care. https://www.balancepathway.com/services daily 0.75 2026-05-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60c2502f386fce76582ddc78/1623607882277-E7ALM62K9O0WWOTGKN8Z/unsplash-image-VvAcrVa56fc.jpg Services - Individual Telehealth Counseling Sessions Individual sessions are conducted via secure telehealth and are structured, focused, and collaborative. We begin by getting clear on what’s been happening, what patterns are showing up, what’s keeping them going, and where things tend to get stuck. From there, we develop a clear plan and work actively on changing how you respond to those moments in real time. This often includes addressing patterns such as rumination, avoidance, reassurance, or perfectionistic behaviors, and practicing different ways of approaching them. Sessions are not just about insight or talking things through. The work is practical and meant to carry over into your day-to-day life, with an emphasis on building skills you can use outside of sessions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60c2502f386fce76582ddc78/1623540292062-A17D48TO2WXQXDJPDEB6/unsplash-image-tBlYM_VcIkE.jpg Services - Working in High-Demand Environments We also work with individuals in high-pressure fields, including entertainment and creative industries, where performance expectations, uncertainty, and constant evaluation can amplify patterns such as overthinking, rumination, and perfectionism. The focus remains on helping clients develop a more effective way of responding to these patterns in real-world contexts. https://www.balancepathway.com/location daily 0.75 2021-10-13 https://www.balancepathway.com/book-a-class daily 0.75 2025-05-06 https://www.balancepathway.com/specialties daily 0.75 2026-06-04