Helping high achievers reach their full potential

Counseling & Executive Coaching

You are a high achiever struggling to make it through

Do These Challenges Sound Familiar?

  • You set extremely high standards for yourself, and no matter how much you accomplish, it never feels like enough. You constantly push yourself to perform at the highest level, fearing that anything less than perfect will lead to failure or disappointment. The pressure is exhausting, and despite your success, you struggle to truly enjoy your achievements.

  • You constantly analyze every decision, weighing every possible outcome and imagining worst-case scenarios. The fear of making the wrong choice can leave you stuck in a cycle of hesitation, second-guessing, and self-doubt. Even small decisions can feel overwhelming, leading to procrastination or avoidance. This mental exhaustion not only drains your energy but also hinders your ability to take decisive action, leaving you feeling frustrated and unproductive. Over time, this pattern can erode your confidence and make it difficult to trust your own judgment, keeping you trapped in a state of uncertainty.

  • You find it hard to say "no," even when your workload is overwhelming or when others’ demands conflict with your own needs. You often put others’ priorities ahead of your own, fearing that setting boundaries will lead to disappointment, rejection, or conflict. You may seek external validation, overcommit to obligations, and avoid difficult conversations to keep the peace. This may make you appear accommodating and reliable, but it often comes at the cost of your own well-being, leading to exhaustion, resentment, and a loss of personal fulfillment.

  • Despite your accomplishments, you often feel like you are not good enough or that you do not truly deserve your success. You worry that others will eventually realize you are not as competent as they think, leading to persistent self-doubt. You may hesitate to speak up in meetings, struggle with decision-making, or overwork yourself to prove your worth. No matter how much you achieve, the feeling of confidence never fully settles in, keeping you stuck in a cycle of perfectionism and fear of failure.

  • You have a hard time trusting others to handle tasks, often believing that if you don’t do it yourself, it won’t be done correctly. This tendency leads to burnout, inefficiency, and a never-ending workload that keeps you from focusing on bigger-picture goals.

  • You work tirelessly toward your goals, believing that reaching them will bring lasting fulfillment. But once you accomplish something, the satisfaction is short-lived. Instead of celebrating, you quickly move on to the next challenge, feeling like you always have to prove yourself again. Success feels more like a moving target than a source of contentment.

  • Downtime feels unproductive, and you struggle to relax without feeling like you should be doing something more "useful." Even when you do take a break, there’s a lingering sense of guilt that keeps you from fully enjoying it. You might find yourself checking emails, mentally running through your to-do list, or feeling anxious about all the things you "should" be doing instead of recharging.

Welcome, I'm Dr. Joe Rustum

As a clinical psychologist and executive coach, I help high achievers overcome stress, self-doubt, and leadership challenges. With years of experience working with professionals, executives, and entrepreneurs, I’ve helped clients break free from burnout, build confidence, and achieve meaningful growth. My goal is to help you thrive in both your personal and professional life, without sacrificing your work-life balance.

How I Can Help You

  • You’ll learn to set healthy boundaries, reduce work-related stress, and prioritize self-care without the guilt, enabling you to maintain a better work-life balance.

  • Together, we’ll work on strategies to help you trust your decisions, boost your confidence, and stop second-guessing yourself, so you can take on challenges with assurance.

  • I’ll help you optimize your time and focus on what matters most, making your workday more efficient, so you can achieve your goals without burning out.

  • You'll gain practical tools to challenge perfectionistic tendencies, manage stress more effectively, and feel more at ease with your achievements without constantly seeking approval.

  • You’ll enhance your leadership abilities, improve your decision-making skills, and learn how to inspire and motivate others. Whether you're in a leadership role or striving for one, I’ll help you develop the confidence and strategies needed to lead effectively and drive meaningful results.

  • We’ll explore your career goals, sharpen your skills, and create actionable plans to help you reach your professional aspirations with a clear sense of direction.

  • Using evidence-based therapeutic techniques, I’ll guide you through managing anxiety, overcoming negative thought patterns, and handling stress in a healthy, sustainable way.

My Services

Therapy

$225 per individual therapy appointment

$250 per family / couple therapy appointment

I offer personalized therapy sessions to help individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges. Specializing in anxiety, perfectionism, relationship conflict, and work stress, I provide a supportive and action oriented environment to explore personal struggles, build coping strategies, and promote healing.

Therapy is available in-person in Nashville and Cool Springs. I offer teletherapy in 41 states. Check here to see if I provide online therapy in your state.

Executive & Leadership Coaching

$600 - $2000 per month depending on meeting frequency & other services

My executive coaching services are designed to help high achievers reach their full potential. Whether you're a leader looking to boost confidence, improve time management, or overcome self-doubt, my coaching programs are tailored to help you achieve lasting success. Coaching is available in-person in Nashville and Cool Springs and remotely for clients nationwide.

If you want to learn more about the differences between therapy and coaching, click here.

Training & Workshops

Reach out for pricing

I offer engaging and practical training sessions and workshops for organizations. Focusing on leadership development, mental wellness, stress management, and productivity, my programs are designed to empower teams and professionals to thrive in both their personal and professional lives. Customizable to meet the specific needs of your team or organization.

Trainings are available both in person and remotely. Click here to learn more about my offerings.

Reach out for a free phone consultation.