Therapy for Perfectionism

Perfectionism can be both a motivator and a source of stress. At Atwater Village Therapy, we recognize that perfectionism usually doesn't mean a person wants to be flawless. Instead, it often shows up as a persistent feeling that you're never good enough. This feeling can influence all areas of life, from work to personal relationships, making people feel unhappy and unfulfilled.

What is Perfectionism Really About?

Perfectionism isn't just about striving for perfect outcomes. More often, it's about feeling constantly inadequate, as if you're always falling short. Those experiencing this might feel like they're failing, not keeping up, or not meeting their own or others' expectations. These pressures can significantly impact one's health, happiness, and relationships.

How We Help

We use a variety of therapeutic approaches to address perfectionism, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Each method assists in different ways:

  • CBT helps clients identify and challenge the thought patterns that fuel their need to be perfect, replacing these thoughts with more realistic and balanced ones.

  • DBT focuses on developing skills to better manage emotions, which is crucial for those overwhelmed by their need to be perfect.

  • Psychodynamic Therapy delves into past experiences and deep-seated emotions to understand why someone feels compelled to meet such high standards.

  • ACT encourages clients to accept their thoughts and feelings and commit to actions that align with their values rather than striving for perfection.

What You Can Expect

Our goal is to help you find a balance where you can strive for excellence without your mental health suffering. We aim to create a space where embracing imperfection is part of the human experience. Therapy promotes self-acceptance, shifts focus from outcomes to processes, and helps clients learn to set realistic goals.

We may also work to improve how you interact with others. By reducing the pressure to appear perfect, we help build more genuine and supportive relationships.

Ready to Begin?

Schedule a free 15-minute consultation call to learn more about how we can help.