Today we’d like to introduce you to Kit Sluys.
Hi Kit, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My path to becoming a psychologist wasn’t direct. Growing up, I witnessed the impact of mental illness in my own family, which helped me understand suffering in a profound way very early on. But when it came time to pick a career path, I studied what I was good at: art. Through its study, I found myself drawn again and again to psychology—as psychological concepts have often informed artistic movements.
Because of some events during my college career, I realized two things: one, I wasn’t destined to be an avant-garde, culture-changing artist, and two, I was here for something deeper—to heal and inspire. With the influence of mentors in the mental health field, I shifted my focus to psychology, which turned out to be my true calling.
My professional work has been shaped by both my personal and clinical experiences. Personally, I’ve wrestled with perfectionism, people-pleasing, and cycles of burnout. I learned how to heal myself, but I also discovered that those patterns never fully go away—they just resurface in different forms, like imposter syndrome. So healing is a lifelong journey, in my opinion.
Clinically, I started out treating physicians who had made medical errors and some who faced burnout. That opened my eyes: physicians, and women in other high-pressure careers, face a perfect storm of challenges—burnout, imposter syndrome, societal expectations, and for mothers, the mental load at home.
Now my work is dedicated to supporting women in these roles—especially physicians—who find themselves doubting their abilities after a promotion or role change. What I often see is that because they’re so competent, the work feels “too easy,” and they respond by overworking, over-proving, and falling back into people-pleasing and a cycle of burnout.
For me, the most rewarding part is helping these women step into their confidence, reclaim clarity, and start living the story they’re truly meant to live.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Early on in my teens and twenties, I experienced depression and anxiety which delayed me finishing my undergraduate degree. In hindsight, that time was crucial because it helped me find myself and my confidence.
Perfectionism and self-criticism were lifelong struggles the I have spent the last 15 years doing deep personal work to cultivate self-compassion. In addition to teaching it to my clients, I also strive to embody it and model it to other people in my life.
One of the biggest challenges though, was getting pregnant with twin boys at the same time I was starting my private practice. Despite it being really hard, being a parent has pushed me to find my voice and connect my purpose both as a parent and as a psychologist. I have even expanded beyond traditional talk therapy and partnered with Balance Massage and Wellness because I believe that true healing is a whole-person experience. Addressing sleep, nutrition, movement, relationships, and a sense of purpose are necessary for mental and physical wellness.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I am a psychologist in private practice where I specialize in working with women in high-pressure careers—especially physicians—who are struggling with burnout, perfectionism, or imposter syndrome. Many of my clients come to me after a big transition, like a promotion or new role, where suddenly the self-doubt hits, and they feel like they have to overwork or extra-prove themselves despite being incredibly competent. Some are even questioning their career choice after a decade or more in their profession.
What sets my practice apart is my holistic, collaborative approach. A lot of clients tell me their past therapy felt like just talking. In my sessions, we go deep in a way that creates meaningful change. Sometimes that means using evidence-based methods like brainspotting, hypnosis, or memory reconsolidation—so clients actually leave session embodying new beliefs that lead to different actions. Other times, we focus on concrete, actionable steps they can try in their daily lives and then reflect on together.
I also walk the same or similar path I ask my clients to take. As a mom, a professional, and someone who has personally navigated burnout, perfectionism, and imposter syndrome, I deeply understand the challenges my clients face. I know what works because I practice it myself, and I think that’s why clients get real results with me—things like renewed confidence, clarity, and living the life they actually want, not the one their parents, ego, or culture told them to live.
Beyond my therapy work, I’m also a co-owner of another local business, Balance Massage and Wellness, where we’re developing holistic offerings like guided meditations, functional herbal mocktails, and vibroacoustic therapy to support the nervous system. It’s all part of the same mission: helping people heal not just their minds, but their whole selves.
What I’m most proud of, brand-wise, is creating a space where ambitious women—especially those used to taking care of everyone else—can finally exhale, find their voice, and reconnect with who they really are. I get so much pleasure from inspiring people to make real, lasting changes in their lives.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that slowing down to really listen—both to myself and to others—isn’t optional, it’s actually necessary. When I check in with myself through a few deep breaths throughout the day, or take time to pause and realign my goals with my values, I end up moving forward with so much more clarity. Life just feels more fulfilling and simple as opposed to busy and overwhelming. And when I listen deeply to the people I care about, instead of just planning what I want to say, it strengthens my relationships and reminds me what really matters. I am realizing more and more how important authentic, deeply connected relationships are for me and for my clients.
Pricing:
- Individual hour-long sessions: $285
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cultivatepotential.life
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetherapykit
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KitSluys
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kitsluys
- Other: https://www.balancemassagemb.com
