We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cassandra Pickett. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cassandra below.

Hi Cassandra , thanks for joining us today. Let’s start big picture – what are some of biggest trends you are seeing in your industry?

Mental health is having a moment on social media—and in many ways, it’s a beautiful thing. We’re seeing more conversations, more awareness, and more people saying things like “I go to therapy” or “I’m working on my boundaries” with zero shame. That’s huge. I remember a time when admitting you went to therapy was like admitting weakness.

As a therapist, I’m here for the normalization of not doing things alone and treating the brain like the organ it is.

But as with any pendulum swing, there’s a shadow side emerging that we need to talk about.

There’s a growing trend toward self-diagnosis and overidentification with mental health labels. TikToks listing “symptoms you didn’t know were ADHD” or “how to know if you have trauma” rack up millions of views. People are searching for understanding, language, and a sense of “me too”—and that makes total sense. It can be deeply validating to realize you’re not the only one struggling.

But what I’m seeing more of—both in high-achieving women and increasingly in teens—is a tendency to stop at the label. Identifying with a TikTok symptoms reel is becoming the destination, rather than a jumping-off point for health and wellness.

I worked with a client recently who came in saying she had extreme anxiety, ADHD, OCD, and depression—all self-diagnosed. She had consumed a lot of content online, and while it helped her feel seen, she’d also gotten into the habit of explaining everything through that lens: why she couldn’t make decisions, why her sleep was so off, why she kept pulling back from friendships and then feeling isolated.

And while the language gave her clarity, it also left her feeling more overwhelmed and helpless. Her energy was going into naming the pain, not shifting the pattern.

That’s where I think our industry needs to redirect some focus: from just awareness to actionable change. From community through shared suffering to community that supports skill-building and resilience.

Because yes—naming your experience is powerful. Understanding what you’re dealing with is important. But at some point, we need to move from “I’m anxious” to “Here’s what I do when I feel anxious.” We need to teach the skills of emotional regulation, boundaries, communication, and recovery—not just diagnose the lack of them.

Mental health literacy is on the rise. That’s the opportunity. Now let’s meet that moment with conversations about wellness, growth, and how we actually live fuller lives—not just the ones we can describe online.

Cassandra , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hi, I’m Cassandra—a Certified Clini-Coach™, licensed therapist, speaker, and strategist dedicated to helping high-achieving individuals harmonize their professional success with personal fulfillment. With over 15 years of experience, I assist ambitious women who excel in their careers yet feel stuck or disconnected in their most valued relationships.​

By integrating the same clarity and strategy you apply at work into your personal life, we can untangle unhelpful patterns and build intentional, meaningful connections—without losing the essence of who you are.

Why I Do This

Balancing the structured and the soulful has always been my path. I blend empathy and discipline to facilitate sustainable and efficient transformations—what I like to call a “glow up”—in my clients’ personal lives.​

Ready to Transform Your Personal Life?

Let’s bring the same intention to your personal relationships as you do to your professional endeavors.

Together, we reduce guilt, strengthen boundaries, improve communication, and uncover blind spots—leveraging the skills that make them a powerhouse at work to create deeper connection, real balance, and success at home.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

For over 15 years as a therapist, I never networked. I saw my clients, did the work, and then made a conscious effort not to run into anyone at the grocery store. Everything was confidential. You don’t respond to reviews, you don’t post about your work, and you definitely don’t promote yourself.

So when I stepped into coaching, I had a bit of an identity crisis. I realized quickly: if I wanted to grow a coaching business, I couldn’t stay invisible. I’d have to put myself out there in ways that felt totally foreign to me.

“Networking” was a word that used to make me cringe. I pictured business cards, small talk, and trying to sell myself—and none of that felt like me. But I gave it a try, in my own way. I started showing up to events with the goal of connecting, not performing. I didn’t try to be the loudest voice in the room—I just got curious about people.

Eventually, I joined a women’s business group (WBON), and something clicked. It was the first time networking didn’t feel like a chore or a performance. It felt like community. It felt like home. We were building relationships, not just exchanging contacts.

That’s when things started to shift. My most meaningful connections—and most cherished clients—have come from those in-person conversations where I led with real interest and genuine care. I may not be a natural promoter, but I love listening, connecting, and showing up with heart. And it turns out, that’s been more than enough.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

This honestly scared me at first. Social media—especially video—felt like a lot. But the truth is, video is queen. And it turns out, that format is actually ideal for what I do. I share bite-sized tools and tips that people can immediately apply in their daily lives, and reels have become the perfect way to deliver that kind of content.

I had to quickly adopt the mindset of “done is good enough.” If an idea hits, I record it—even if I’m still in yoga clothes and a little sweaty. One-take reels have become my go-to. People want real, not perfect. They’re not looking for a curated highlight reel—they’re looking for someone who gets it and gives them something useful.

My best advice? Don’t overthink it. You’ll find your rhythm. Once you get a few reels under your belt, it becomes easier—and honestly, even fun. It’s a powerful way to connect, share what you know, and add real value to people’s lives in a format that actually meets them where they are.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cassandrapickett.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cassandrapickettcoaching/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cassandrapickettcoaching
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassandrapickett/
• Youtube: StrategizeThis