For many, the workplace is more than a site of productivity — it is an arena where unconscious conflicts, internalized authority figures, and deeply rooted patterns of self-worth play out daily. Workplace anxiety can manifest as chronic self-doubt, fear of judgment or failure, difficulty asserting oneself, or a sense of paralysis under scrutiny.

Often, these struggles do not arise merely from the external demands of the job, but from the complex ways we repeat early relational dynamics in professional contexts. A supervisor may unconsciously evoke a critical parent; a competitive colleague may stir unresolved sibling rivalry; organizational hierarchies may echo the power structures of one’s family of origin.

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Common Signs of Workplace Anxiety

• Excessive worry about performance, even when doing well

• Difficulty speaking up in meetings or setting boundaries

• Chronic fear of criticism, rejection, or being exposed as incompetent (imposter syndrome)

• Overworking or perfectionism as a defense against self-doubt

• Avoiding opportunities for growth due to fear of failure or envy

• Physical symptoms: insomnia, headaches, fatigue related to work stress

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Transforming Anxiety into Insight & Agency

In psychoanalysis, workplace anxiety is not treated in isolation but understood as part of your broader relational world. By examining how old conflicts come alive in your professional life, you can gradually free yourself from rigid patterns that stifle creativity, satisfaction, and authentic authority.

The therapeutic relationship itself becomes a place to observe and work through these dynamics: feelings about being evaluated, fears of disappointing an authority figure, or resistance to claiming your own expertise. Over time, this fosters a more resilient sense of self that is less dependent on external validation and better able to navigate the complexities of modern work life.

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