Therapy for Perfectionism
What would change if I didn't have to get everything right to feel like I'm enough?
More calm. Deeper connection. Greater meaning.
What if "good enough" really could be enough?
Maybe you're the person other people can depend on. You work hard, think things through, and hold yourself to high standards. From the outside, you may look like you have life all figured out.
But inside, there's a constant pressure to do more and do it right, to avoid making mistakes and letting people down. You may second-guess decisions, struggle to let things go, or feel like your accomplishments never quite measure up.
Perfectionism can look like high achievement, but underneath it can be fueled by fear, self-doubt, and the belief that your worth depends on how well you perform.
Therapy can help you loosen the grip of perfectionism without giving up the parts of yourself that value growth, care, and excellence.
Perfectionism might sound like...
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"I should have done better."
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"What if I make the wrong choice?"
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"I need to get this right."
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"Everyone else seems to have it figured out."
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"I can't relax until everything is done."
In therapy, we'll work toward…
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Greater self-trust
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More flexibility
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Less self-criticism
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Comfort with uncertainty and imperfection
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Decisions guided by values rather than fear
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A sense of worth that isn't dependent on productivity or achievement
Therapy can help you understand the expectations you've placed on yourself and begin loosening the ones that leave you feeling like you’re never quite enough.
Together, we'll explore the fears and beliefs underneath perfectionistic patterns like the pressure to avoid mistakes, meet everyone's expectations, or constantly do more. We’ll learn how to make room for uncertainty, imperfection, and rest. You’ll have space and support to practice responding to yourself with flexibility and self-compassion so you can bring these skills into everyday life.
You don’t have to stop caring or lower your standards. Our goal is to help you notice when your high standards serve you and when they're keeping you stuck, so you can choose how you respond based on your values.
The Tools We Use
I draw from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Narrative Therapy, integrating the approaches that best fit your goals and the way you experience perfectionism.
ACT can help you notice the rules and expectations that drive perfectionism and choose actions based on your values rather than fear of failure or judgment.
IFS offers a compassionate way to understand the parts of you that push you to achieve, anticipate problems, or avoid mistakes. We'll help these protective parts feel heard while strengthening your calm, confident Core Self.
Narrative Therapy helps us examine the stories you've absorbed about success, worth, and who you're supposed to be, and highlight the stories that recognize your strengths, resilience, and values.
Calm • Connection • Meaning
Three things we're working toward.
Calm when you don't have all the answers.
Connection with yourself beyond your productivity or accomplishments.
Meaning from living by your values, not someone else's definition of success.
What to Expect
Sessions are offered securely via telehealth, giving you the flexibility to make space for therapy from the comfort and privacy of home or another private setting. We'll typically meet weekly or biweekly, depending on your needs and goals.
Therapy is collaborative and tailored to you. You don't need to arrive with a clear understanding of your perfectionism or have a plan for changing it. We'll start where you are and figure out the next step together.