Anne Chester, LCSW

Most of us have an idea of perfection. Perhaps it is a perfect cup of coffee, brewed just right. A dinner where every dish comes together effortlessly. A vacation without delays. A home where everything is in its place. There is nothing wrong with delighting in beauty, craftsmanship, or excellence. The desire to do something well is part of what allows us to create meaningful work, care for those we love, and develop our gifts. Excellence, at its best, is an expression of stewardship....

On cortisol, vigilance, and the loss of true rest Coming out of the holiday season, I notice familiar patterns in myself. ● Craving brownies ● Restlessness ● Boredom that feels strangely uncomfortable ● Sleep that looks adequate on paper but does not feel restorative in the body These are not moral failures or lapses in discipline. They are common responses after prolonged periods of high intensity or chronic stress. And while the holidays often amplify them, for many...

It’s tempting to label every hurtful person in our lives a narcissist. When someone deceives, manipulates, or invalidates us, it feels easier to diagnose the problem than to sit in the confusion. But are all difficult people really narcissists? Let’s unpack that. What Narcissism Really Means According to research from the National Institute of Health, roughly 1–6% of the population meets the criteria for narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). That’s a small number—meaning most of the...