Clarity Coach for Perfectionism & People-Pleasing
Raleigh, NC and Virtual
Helping ambitious but burnt out young adults who have spent their whole life seeking approval reconnect with themselves, set boundaries without guilt or overthinking, and build a life that finally feels like theirs.
A supportive space for people-pleasing perfectionists who are ready to stop living for everyone else’s approval
You’ve done everything “right.” So why do you feel so empty?
I work with young adults who feel lost, burnt out, disconnected from themselves, or unsure how to set boundaries. Together, we slow things down, get curious about what’s really driving the pressure you feel to be perfect, and reset the patterns that are keeping you stuck.
When self-doubt, anxiety over others’ expectations, or constant overthinking makes you wonder, “What’s wrong with me?” or, “Why can’t I just say no?” — I see you. I have been you.
Make decisions without immediately worrying about what others will think
Say “no” with confidence — without spiraling afterward
Figure out what you actually enjoy (not just what seems “productive” or “impressive”)
Have difficult conversations without losing yourself in them
Build a life that feels grounded and true to you
Through compassionate coaching and practical, real-life tools, I help you:
I’ve learned how to do all of this in my own life — and I’m here to show you how.
Meet Your Coach
Valerie Marston, ICF & NBHWC Certified
I was born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina, where I still live with my husband and our rescue dog. We’re an outdoorsy trio who spend as much time as possible walking, hiking, traveling, and soaking up life outside.
For much of my life — especially through high school and college — I was deeply stuck in people-pleasing. I wore perfectionism like a badge of honor and built my life around what I thought I should be doing and who I thought I should be for others. From the outside, things seemed fine. On the inside, I had completely lost my connection to myself.
Everything began to shift as I navigated my own physical and mental health challenges, including recovery from a severe eating disorder, and pursued my certifications as a Life Coach and then Health Coach. Through that process, I slowly found my voice — and myself. I learned what it actually feels like to live in alignment with my values instead of living in fear, by other’s expectations, or my own self-doubt.
Today, I live a life that feels grounded, sustainable, and genuinely mine — free from rigid rules, perfectionistic standards, and constant self-criticism. I’ve reclaimed my sense of choice and agency, and I’m deeply passionate about helping young adults like you do the same.
My work is rooted in compassion, curiosity, and the belief that you don’t need to fix yourself — you just need support reconnecting with who you already are.
You say yes when you mean no, and often resent others for it
You’re exhausted from managing everyone’s emotions but your own
You feel like you’re wearing a mask in your relationships, even with people you love
The thought of disappointing someone makes you feel awful
Your first thought is always about what others will want rather than what you want
You’re living a life that “looks” good, but doesn’t feel like yours
You’re in the right place if …
My approach is simple: it’s about asking the right questions to get to the root of your experience.
Most coaches say …
“Just set more boundaries”
“You just need to get back on track”
“Try to work on loving yourself more”
“Authenticity is key”
I focus on …
Understanding why boundaries feel like a betrayal - and rebuild your sense of safety
Starting with what YOU want instead of managing everyone else’s expectations
Learning to tolerate disappointing others without losing yourself
Identifying who you truly are and want to be
You've spent your whole life investing in everyone else. Now it’s your turn.
Contact
Interested in working together or just have a question? Fill out some info and I will be in touch shortly. I can’t wait to hear from you!