Therapy for Perfectionism ~ OJAI + AGOURA HILLS, CA + Telehealth in CA and IL
Compassionate, loving, yet challenging therapy for perfectionism
You constantly strive for perfection, only to feel like you’re always falling short. It is a constant challenge to accept anything less than perfect, which leads to feelings of frustration, inadequacy, and anxiety. Perfectionism can be an exhausting and relentless pursuit, leaving you feeling like you’re never quite good enough.
Maybe you’re spending excessive amounts of time on tasks, seeking reassurance from others, or avoiding challenges altogether for fear of failure. Perhaps you’re grappling with a harsh inner critic that magnifies every mistake, making it hard to feel satisfied with your accomplishments.
Perfectionism can also impact your relationships, causing you to set unrealistic expectations for yourself and others, leading to conflict and disappointment. It can be isolating, as you may feel like you have to hide your true thoughts and feelings for fear of judgment.
“Perfectionism is not the same thing as striving to be your best. Perfectionism is the belief that if we live perfect, look perfect, and act perfect, we can minimize or avoid the pain of blame, judgement, and shame. It’s a shield. It’s a twenty-ton shield that we lug around thinking it will protect us when, in fact, it’s the thing that’s really preventing us from flight.”
— BRENE BROWN
The common struggles of Perfectionism:
Setting Unrealistic Standards: Perfectionists often set excessively high standards for themselves, leading to unrealistic expectations and a constant feeling of never being good enough.
Fear of Failure: Perfectionists may have an intense fear of making mistakes or failing, which can result in procrastination, avoidance of new challenges, or excessive self-criticism.
All-or-Nothing Thinking: Perfectionists tend to think in black-and-white terms, viewing outcomes as either perfect or complete failures, with little room for mistakes or learning experiences.
Chronic Self-Criticism: Perfectionists often engage in harsh self-criticism and negative self-talk, focusing more on perceived flaws or shortcomings rather than recognizing their achievements or progress.
Overemphasis on Control: Perfectionists may try to control every aspect of their lives, seeking to avoid uncertainty or unpredictability, which can lead to stress, anxiety, and a lack of flexibility.
Difficulty Accepting Imperfections: Perfectionists struggle to accept mistakes, imperfections, or setbacks, leading to feelings of shame, guilt, or inadequacy.
Procrastination: Some perfectionists may procrastinate tasks because they fear not being able to complete them perfectly, leading to a cycle of delay and increased anxiety.
Impaired Relationships: Perfectionism can strain relationships, as individuals may have unrealistic expectations of others and struggle with accepting differences or imperfections in others.
Am I a Perfectionist?
How compassionate therapy can help you on your path as a recovering perfectionist:
Together, we can navigate the challenges of perfectionism and guide you towards personal growth and resilience. Each individual possesses unique strengths and qualities that deserve recognition and acknowledgement.
Embarking on this journey alone can be daunting, which is why therapy offers a nurturing environment for self-exploration with compassionate support and expert guidance. My aim is to assist you in rediscovering your inherent beauty, resilience, and inner strength while equipping you with practical tools to sustain your sense of empowerment.
Embracing your true self enables you to feel whole and at ease within your own skin. Cultivating embodiment brings about a newfound sense of freedom, grounding, and authenticity, empowering you to lead a fulfilling and genuine life.
