Written by Lisa Skeffington, Psychotherapist
Lisa Skeffington is a psychotherapist and thought leader shaping the future of mental health. She is the founder of the Empowered Momentum Community and hosts coastal escapes empowering high-functioning mid-life women to authentically remove the mask they wear in their outwardly successful life; author of the book From Anxious to Empowered.
Many professional women appear confident and successful on the outside, yet silently, they wrestle with anxiety, self-doubt, and the overwhelming pressure to "do it all." Lisa Skeffington, UK Women’s Psychotherapist of the Year 2024/25 and communication mentor, understands these struggles deeply. Having lived much of her life behind a mask as a result of childhood challenges, she now empowers women to reclaim their confidence, heal past emotional burdens, and reconnect with their authentic selves.
Through her events and programs at Empowered Momentum, Lisa offers a supportive and transformative pathway for professional women to break free from anxiety, stop questioning their worth, and start living authentically.
Why successful women often feel stuck and struggle to feel enough
High-achieving women often internalise the belief that they must excel in every area of life, career, family, and relationships while maintaining an image of effortless perfection. These pressures can create a cycle of self-doubt and anxiety, leaving women feeling stuck and emotionally drained.
Lisa's own story reflects this journey. Despite outward success, she felt the relentless weight of perfectionism, which left her disconnected from her true self. Over time, she uncovered how past experiences of emotional wounding had shaped her self-perception, and how embracing authenticity could bring freedom and joy.
Research from UK organisations like Anxiety UK highlights that external pressures and unexamined beliefs about self-worth can significantly impact mental well-being. Lisa’s work focuses on replacing perfectionism with self-compassion and teaching women how to cultivate confidence from within.
The empowered momentum approach
Lisa Skeffington founded Empowered Momentum to help women remove the mask of perfectionism and embrace their authentic selves. Her coastal events and escapes include transformative experiences designed to build confidence and calm, empowering women to live and communicate with clarity and self-assurance.
1. The empowered momentum community
This private online platform offers free and VIP membership options. Free members gain access to webinars, self-reflection tools, and a supportive community. VIP members enjoy personalised and group mentoring, and exclusive resources tailored to help women rediscover their worth and thrive.
2. Free 3-day online workshop
With practical steps to identify and overcome anxiety triggers, build self-worth, and develop authentic communication skills, participants leave with actionable strategies to begin their journey toward empowerment.
3. In-person escapes and events
Remove the Mask (2-Day Coastal Escape): A bespoke and individual escape combining psychodynamic therapy and the healing power of nature. Participants explore their authentic selves in a supportive and discreet environment.
Bloom Beyond the Mask (1-Day Event): A creative workshop blending therapy and hands-on activities using flora, the seashore and other elements, to inspire emotional growth and self-expression.
Why women feel the need to wear a mask
A common question Lisa addresses is: why do professional women feel compelled to hide behind a mask of perfection?
From an early age, women are often encouraged to prioritise others’ needs, avoid conflict, and maintain a polished appearance. Over time, this can lead to internalised beliefs that they must suppress their vulnerabilities and always appear in control.
Lisa’s programs help women identify and challenge these limiting beliefs. By exploring their unique stories and learning to set healthy boundaries, participants find freedom in becoming their authentic selves without fear of judgment.
The role of communication in building self-worth
Another frequently asked question is: can learning communication skills really help with anxiety and improve self-esteem?
Absolutely. Communication is more than expressing yourself clearly; it’s about setting boundaries, advocating for your needs, and fostering meaningful relationships. These skills empower women to navigate personal and professional dynamics with confidence and clarity, reducing feelings of isolation and self-doubt.
Lisa’s programs emphasise the connection between clear, assertive communication and a renewed sense of confidence. Women learn how to navigate personal and professional relationships with authenticity and calm authority.
A holistic approach to transformation
Lisa’s Empowered Momentum events and programs offer a unique blend of psychodynamic therapy, life skills mastery and supportive community engagement. This holistic approach addresses both the practical skills needed for transformation and the deeper emotional barriers that often hold women back.
Her methods align with research from organisations such as Mind UK, which advocate for a combination of therapy, self-care, and peer support to improve mental well-being.
Inspiring women to step out from behind the mask
Lisa Skeffington’s personal transformation from trauma to triumph, has become the foundation of her professional mission: to help women step out from behind the mask and embrace a life of authenticity and freedom. Her story serves as a reminder that self-doubt and anxiety can be replaced with confidence and calm, given the right tools and support.
If you’re ready to take the first step, join the Empowered Momentum Community today. Whether you start with free resources or dive into a transformative retreat, you’ll find the support and tools you need to thrive.
Visit Empowered Momentum to become part of a community that believes in your potential to live freely and authentically.
Read more from Lisa Skeffington
Lisa Skeffington, Psychotherapist
Lisa Skeffington, Psychotherapist of the Year 2024/25, is the leading light for wounded women worldwide. Her own personal story, from trauma to triumph, led her to dedicate her support to mid-life women and their families to heal their emotional wounds so that they feel enough as they are, break free from anxiety, and communicate confidently in healthy relationships. Over her 25 years in mental health, she has developed a unique psychological approach with a seamless blend of psychological therapies, which she calls psychodynamic mentoring. Based on the UK Dorset coast, Lisa runs exclusive coastal escapes and one-day events helping women to remove the mask and thrive in their lives today, without excuse or apology.
