Perfectionism Therapy Online | Let Go & Thrive
SERVING: Colorado | Massachusetts | New York | Vermont | Florida
Are You Tired of The Constant Pressure to Be Perfect?
Does the relentless drive to meet unattainable standards leave you feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and isolated. If you struggle with perfectionism, you’re not alone.
Perfectionism can manifest in various aspects of life—from work to relationships to personal goals—leaving you feeling stuck, anxious, and defeated. The good news? Change is possible.
Alexis Verbin, LCSW, LICSW at Wellcore Healing is an expert Perfectionism Therapist for individuals residing in Denver, Boston, NYC, Burlington, Miami, and beyond!
What is Perfectionism
Perfectionism is more than a desire to do well. It’s a thought & behavior pattern demanding flawless performance.
Perfectionism Can Manifest As:
Fear of Failure or Rejection
Difficulty Making Decisions or Completing Tasks
Chronic Self-Criticism or Self-Doubt
Procrastination & Avoidance
Stress, Anxiety, or Burnout
Benefits of Perfectionism Therapy
Here are some positive transformations you may experience through online therapy for Perfectionism:
-
Therapy offers a safe, supportive space to navigate Perfectionism— to both understand and then address the causes of Perfectionism.
Working with a Perfectionism Therapist provides you with the tools to help you challenge unrealistic standards, reduce self-criticism, and embrace a healthier mindset. Perfectionism treatment can empower you to break free from the cycle of striving for unattainable goals, which can help you pay more attention to what actually matters—your well-being, relationships, and personal growth.
-
You will learn to cultivate self-compassion, embrace imperfection, and be kind to yourself— especially in moments of struggle.
-
You will be able to focus on growth and effort instead of flawless results, freeing yourself to try, learn, and thrive.
-
You will be able to set achievable goals, build confidence, and make progress without the pressure to be perfect. You will shift from chasing unattainable standards to setting achievable, meaningful goals aligned with your values.
-
You will learn proven strategies to manage the pressure of striving for perfection, so you can focus on what truly matters. You will be better able to focus on the present moment instead of worrying about the future or dwelling on past mistakes.
-
You will learn to let go of fears of judgment and rejection to build authentic, fulfilling connections with others.
Perfectionism Treatment Modalities
Wellcore Healing uses the following evidence-based treatment approaches to help you heal Perfectionism:
-
CBT works by helping you identify and challenge negative Perfectionism thought patterns, while replacing them with more constructive and realistic beliefs.
-
ACT works by encouraging acceptance of your experiences while committing to actions aligned with your values rather than Perfectionism.
-
IFS works by exploring and harmonizing the internal parts of yourself that may contribute to Perfectionism thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
-
Positive Psychology works by cultivating strengths, gratitude, and as well as resilience in place of focusing on the need to be “Perfect.”
-
Mindfulness teaches present-moment awareness and self-compassion to quiet the inner critic and reduce pressures to be perfect at everything.
-
Trauma-Informed Therapy addresses past experiences and their impact on Perfectionism tendencies in adulthood, promoting healing and growth.
PERFECTIONISM FAQs
PERFECTIONISM BASICS
-
Yes, perfectionism is more common than many realize. It affects people from all walks of life, particularly high achievers, students, professionals, and those who feel societal or cultural pressure to excel. While it can initially seem like a positive trait, unchecked perfectionism often leads to anxiety, burnout, and dissatisfaction. Recognizing its prevalence can be the first step in seeking support and finding relief.
It also can go hand-in-hand with anxiety, low self-esteem, and imposter syndrome.
-
Anxious perfectionism is a type of perfectionism that can occur when a person is afraid of making a mistake (or) doing something wrong, being judged by others, or not meeting expectations. This in turn fuels persistent anxiety. Unlike healthy striving (aka, not tying self-worth to achievement), which is motivating, anxious perfectionists typically:
Experience chronic self-doubt
Overanalyze their work
Procrastinate due to a paralyzing fear of imperfection
This often leads to emotional exhaustion, burnout, and avoidance behaviors.
For a better understanding of the Perfectionism-Anxiety Loop,
-
Maladaptive perfectionism is a dysfunctional form of perfectionism where self-worth is entirely dependent on achieving unrealistic standards. Unlike adaptive perfectionism, which promotes growth, maladaptive perfectionists struggle with excessive self-criticism, fear of failure, and an inability to feel satisfied with accomplishments. It often manifests as:
All-or-nothing thinking – "If it’s not perfect, it’s worthless."
Procrastination – Delaying tasks out of fear of imperfection.
Burnout – Chronic stress from never feeling "good enough."
-
Moral perfectionism is the belief that one must be flawless when it comes to moral or ethical standards. These pressures often lead to chronic guilt, self-judgment, and emotional distress. People who experience moral perfectionism can feel what is described an an intense pressure to always do the "right" thing and may experience shame and self-criticism for any perceived ethical shortcoming. Signs You Might Be Struggling with Moral Perfectionism:
Carrying the Weight of the World : You often take on personal responsibility for "fixing" injustices and/or easing the suffering of others.
All or Nothing Thinking: For example, moral choices are experienced in black and white, with no gray area. When you make a mistake—no matter how small—you feel like you failed.
Guilt on Overdrive: You experience intense, often unjustified guilt and may punish yourself mentally or emotionally for not living up to impossible moral standards.
Apologizing for Existing: You over-apologize, constantly fearing that you’ve hurt or disappointed someone, even when no harm was done.
IMPACT OF PERFECTIONISM
-
Perfectionism can create an endless cycle of striving and self-criticism. Here’s how it might affect you:
Anxiety: The pressure to be "flawless" can lead to chronic stress and worry.
Low Self-Esteem: Constantly comparing yourself to impossible standards can leave you feeling inadequate.
Burnout: The unrelenting pursuit of perfection can leave you feeling exhausted & overwhelmed.
Additional: Mental, Emotional & Physical Stressors
-
Perfectionism therapy may be a good fit if:
You feel overwhelmed by the pressure to meet high standards.
Self-criticism holds you back from feeling confident or content.
You procrastinate or avoid tasks out of fear of not doing them perfectly.
You find it hard to enjoy accomplishments because they’re "never good enough."
Stress, anxiety, or burnout are affecting your well-being.
You’re ready to develop healthier habits and let go of unrealistic expectations.
HELP FOR PERFECTIONISM
-
Anyone struggling with Perfectionism would benefit from support.
Perfectionism can be paralyzing, especially for professionally driven women who demand excellence in every aspect of life.
-
Your first session is a chance to share your experiences and goals in a safe, supportive environment. Here’s what you can expect:
Getting to Know You: I will ask questions about your perfectionistic tendencies, including when they started and how they affect your life.
Identifying Goals: Together, you’ll discuss what you hope to achieve through therapy.
Setting the Tone: I will explain the therapy process and how they’ll work with you to address perfectionism.
This initial session is collaborative and non-judgmental, designed to make you feel comfortable and supported as you begin your journey.
-
Absolutely. Work-related stress is a common outcome of perfectionism and anxiety, especially when high standards collide with tight deadlines or demanding environments. Therapy can help you manage this stress by:
Setting realistic expectations for yourself and others.
Learning to say no and set boundaries at work.
Developing healthy coping skills to help with workplace pressure.
Building confidence in your abilities without overworking or striving for constant perfection.
With the right tools, you can navigate work challenges with less stress and greater ease.
-
Email Alexis Verbin, LCSW, LICSW at Wellcore Healing —I’m here to help you heal your relationship with perfectionism!
PERFECTIONISM BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS
-
Disclaimer:
The books recommended here are for informational and educational purposes only. They are not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are struggling with perfectionism, anxiety, or any mental health concerns, consider reaching out to a licensed therapist or mental health professional for personalized support.
-
This powerful, research-based book focuses on how to embrace vulnerability while also letting go of the need for perfectionism.
-
Looking for strategies to break free from perfectionism tendences? This book provides practical guide that offers strategies to break free from perfectionist tendencies.
-
Written by a Harvard professor, this book looks at toxic perfectionism vs. healthy striving.
-
A CBT-based workbook that provides exercises to manage perfectionism and self-criticism.
-
A motivational book on overcoming procrastination and the fear of imperfection in achieving goals.
“Perfectionism is the Enemy of Progress”
-Winston Churchill
Start Your Journey Toward Balance!
Perfectionism Therapy can help you stop striving for impossible standards and start building a life that you actually feel is authentic and fulfilling.
Take the first step today and schedule your free 30-minute phone consultation! If you are ready to begin your journey towards overcoming Perfectionism, please reach out!