Orlando Anxiety Therapist Shares: How to (Truly) Set Boundaries That Give You Your Power Back
Orlando Anxiety Therapist Shares: How to (Truly) Set Boundaries That Give You Your Power Back
Written by: Lauran Hahn, LMHC
You’ve heard a lot about boundaries, and maybe you’ve even tried setting some. You’ve taken the time to express what you need, want, and desire. But then—nothing changes. You find yourself wondering: Why isn’t this working? Why aren’t they honoring my boundary?
Many people believe that setting boundaries is simply about clearly communicating their needs. While that’s an important step, it’s only part of the process.
As an anxiety therapist in Orlando, I’ve helped many clients effectively set boundaries so they can remain empowered in their relationships. Over the years, I’ve noticed that most people stop at the communication piece. But real empowerment doesn’t come from whether someone honors your boundary—it comes from the action YOU take when they don’t.
Step 1: Recognize When You Need a Boundary
The first step in setting a boundary is recognizing when you need one. If you feel resentment building, that’s your clue. Resentment often signals an unmet need, want, or desire that’s being ignored.
Step 2: Get Clear on What You Need
Before you can communicate a boundary, you must first be honest with yourself about what you need. Many people—especially those who have been people-pleasers—feel selfish for having needs in relationships. But ignoring your needs won’t make them go away; it will only allow resentment to fester. If expressing your needs feels uncomfortable or guilt-inducing, working with a therapist can help you unpack those feelings.
Step 3: Communicate Your Boundary Clearly
Once you’ve identified what you need, the next step is clearly communicating it to the other person. A simple formula for this is: “When you ____, I feel ____. Next time, will you ____?”
For example: "When you cancel our plans at the last minute, I feel hurt. Next time, will you let me know earlier if you’re unsure you can make it?" This is where many people stop. They believe that simply stating their needs is enough. But boundaries don’t work unless you’re willing to enforce them.
Step 4: Decide How You Will Respond if Your Boundary Isn’t Respected
This is the most important step in boundary setting—yet the one most people overlook. If your boundary depends entirely on whether the other person changes their behavior, you’ve handed your power over to them. Instead, true boundary-setting means deciding ahead of time what action you will take if your boundary is not honored.
Step 5: Don’t Take It Personally
One of the most empowering things you can do is let go of the idea that the other person is “doing this to you.” For example, if your mother-in-law is always late, it’s not necessarily because she doesn’t respect you—it’s likely just how she manages (or mismanages) her time.
Step 6: Follow Through With Your Boundary
Let’s put these steps into action with an example: Imagine your mother-in-law is consistently late. You decide to set a boundary by communicating: "When you arrive late to our events, I feel stressed. Next time, will you try to be on time?"
The hope is that she will respect this and show up on time. But what if she doesn’t? Instead of getting upset or feeling disrespected, you decide ahead of time how you will respond. Let’s say you’re hosting a dinner party, and she’s invited. Rather than waiting indefinitely for her arrival, you decide: "I will wait no more than five minutes before starting dinner, regardless of whether she’s here."
This way, you’re not leaving your evening in her hands. You’ve set your own limit and are prepared to follow through.
Step 7: Focus on What You Can Control
You can’t control whether someone respects your boundaries.
You can control how you respond when they don’t.
Boundaries aren’t about getting others to change—they’re about protecting your own well-being.
When you start seeing boundaries this way, you reclaim your power.
Ready to Start Anxiety Therapy?
If setting and enforcing boundaries feels challenging, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Therapy can help you build confidence, reduce anxiety, and develop the skills to set boundaries that truly empower you.
Not Quite Ready for Therapy?
That’s okay—we’re here to support you at every step of your journey. At Mindful Living Counseling, we understand that seeking therapy can feel like a big decision. In the meantime, we invite you to explore our expert-guided resources designed to help you navigate stress, build resilience, and find moments of calm.
Therapy Orlando Anxiety Resources
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Orlando Therapist Providing Relationship Therapy: 5 Simple Steps to Setting a Boundary
Orlando Anxiety Therapist Shares: How to Handle Life's Curveballs
Boundaries: 21 Questions to Uncover Your Style
Anxiety Therapist Shares A Guided Practice: Parts Circle Meditation
Anxiety Therapy Orlando Shares A Guided Meditation: Presence & Intention
Orlando Therapist Shares Box Breathing Technique: A Tool for Anxiety
Other Therapy Services Offered at Mindful Living Counseling in Orlando
We offer a variety of therapy services to address diverse needs! Our therapeutic options include EMDR therapy, trauma therapy, teen therapy, and toxic relationship therapy. Additionally, we provide guided meditations.
Anxiety Therapist Lauran Hahn
Lauran Hahn, LMHC, is a therapist located in Orlando with a focus on guiding clients through anxiety and trauma. She holds certifications as a Sensorimotor Psychotherapist and EMDR Therapist and is recognized as an EMDRIA Approved Consultant. Lauran aims to help individuals achieve a sense of calm in their bodies, peace in their minds, and stronger connections in their relationships. She also supports clients in recovering from toxic relationships and provides guidance to help prevent such situations in the future.