Counselling for Perfectionism
Perhaps you lie awake at night with a million thoughts and worries running through your mind. And wake up feeling overwhelmed by everything you need to get done. You set super high expectations for yourself in every area of your life, then feel like you never measure up.
It seems like you’re living with your own worst critic - that internal voice that’s always telling you that you’re not good enough. Perfectionism convinces you that you should not only do things well, but to the highest possible standards - or else you’re a failure.
Can Perfectionism Be Helpful?
Perfectionism can be helpful at times. You likely put tons of care into everything you do. Perhaps you’re known for being reliable and responsible. Perfectionism might have helped you succeed in your career or in school.
But perfectionism can be a trap. No matter what you do, it’s never enough. Perfectionism tells you there’s always something you could have done better. Or that you’ll only feel happy once you achieve that next goal. You’re always chasing and never content. You can never satisfy perfectionism.
If it goes too far, perfectionism can get in the way of achieving your goals. You may have trouble taking on challenges because you’re afraid of failing. Maybe you get stuck going over and over the details of some task, unable to let it go before it’s absolutely flawless. Then, even after something’s done, you find yourself rehashing what you could have done better.
Perfectionism can contribute to mental health concerns like anxiety or depression. Perhaps you worry all the time about worst-case scenarios; about what could happen if you don’t do things just right.
Perfectionism can also hurt your mood. It’s understandable to feel discouraged and frustrated if your best is never enough.
At the same time, it can be scary to imagine giving up perfectionism. You may fear that you’ll never achieve your goals - or anything at all - if you adjust your expectations even a bit.
Counselling for Perfectionism
As a “recovering perfectionist" myself, I understand the joys and challenges this journey can bring. At times, I’ve felt trapped by impossible expectations, yet reluctant to give them up.
While everyone’s experiences are different, I believe that my combined personal and professional knowledge gives me a unique understanding of perfectionism and how to address it.
Counselling can help you create a sense of balance in your life, allowing you to work hard without getting weighed down by self-criticism. We’ll explore the roots of perfectionism, such as the messages you've received about what it means to be successful. I’ll guide you in building skills for challenging unhelpful beliefs and tolerating imperfection. You can also work on embracing your unique strengths as well as your areas for growth.
Schedule Your Free Call
If perfectionism is creating issues in your life, reach out today. Get started by booking a free 20-minute phone call to discuss your goals for counselling. Online booking is available 24/7.
*Counselling available to residents of Saskatchewan, Canada
Free Mini Course: When is Perfectionism a Problem?
Wondering if perfectionism is an issue in your life?
Get clear on what perfectionism is, how it shows up day to day, and when it becomes a problem.
Use the video lesson and workbook to:
Understand 4 key aspects of perfectionism
Get examples of how perfectionism can impact your thoughts, feelings, and actions
Reflect on some fears people often have about giving up perfectionism