Perfectionism
At The Center for Progressive Psychotherapy, our team of Psychologists
specializes in working with high-achieving and high-performing individuals who
struggle with the demands of perfectionism. While striving for excellence can be a
powerful motivator, perfectionism can become overwhelming, paralyzing, and
emotionally exhausting. We help clients regain a sense of control over their
thoughts, behaviors, and energy when the demand to be perfect starts to
interfere with well-being, relationships, and fulfillment.
Perfectionism
At The Center for Progressive Psychotherapy, our team of Psychologists specializes in working with high-achieving and high-performing individuals who struggle with the demands of perfectionism. While striving for excellence can be a powerful motivator, perfectionism can become overwhelming, paralyzing, and emotionally exhausting. We help clients regain a sense of control over their thoughts, behaviors, and energy when the demand to be perfect starts to interfere with well-being, relationships, and fulfillment.
What is perfectionism?
Perfectionism can be both a blessing and a curse. It often fuels ambition, discipline, and success. However, it can also come at a significant cost creating chronic pressure, self-doubt, and dissatisfaction despite external achievements. Many individuals with perfectionistic tendencies experience significant distress when they fall short of the high standards they set for themselves or believe others expect of them.
The American Psychological Association defines perfectionism as “the tendency to demand of others or of oneself an extremely high or even flawless level of performance, in excess of what is required by the situation.”
Perfectionism can be both a blessing and a curse. It often fuels ambition, discipline, and success. However, it can also come at a significant cost creating chronic pressure, self-doubt, and dissatisfaction despite external achievements. Many individuals with perfectionistic tendencies experience significant distress when they fall short of the high standards they set for themselves or believe others expect of them.
The American Psychological Association defines perfectionism as “the tendency to demand of others or of oneself an extremely high or even flawless level of performance, in excess of what is required by the situation.”
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“Perfectionism can act like protective gear—it once helped you stay safe by enabling success, avoiding criticism, or earning love. Over time, however, it becomes heavy and starts to weigh you down.”
– Dr. Sophie Park
What are common signs of perfectionism?
Perfectionism can show up in many ways, including:
- Very high or unrealistic expectations for oneself or others
- Spending significantly more time than others completing tasks
- Emotional distress or shame when expectations are not met
- Fear of failure or making mistakes
- Excessive self-criticism and harsh self-judgment
- Procrastination, avoidance, or missed deadlines
- Black-and-white thinking (success vs. failure, perfect vs. imperfect)
- Depressed mood
- Anxiety or chronic worry
- Social withdrawal or isolation
- Strained relationships due to rigid standards or expectations
Many high-performers delay seeking therapy because they perceive therapy as a sign of their own weakness when in reality it is the key to unlocking their strength, control, and happiness.
Perfectionism can show up in many ways, including:
- Very high or unrealistic expectations for oneself or others
- Spending significantly more time than others completing tasks
- Emotional distress or shame when expectations are not met
- Fear of failure or making mistakes
- Excessive self-criticism and harsh self-judgment
- Procrastination, avoidance, or missed deadlines
- Black-and-white thinking (success vs. failure, perfect vs. imperfect)
- Depressed mood
- Anxiety or chronic worry
- Social withdrawal or isolation
- Strained relationships due to rigid standards or expectations
Many high-performers delay seeking therapy because they perceive therapy as a sign of their own weakness when in reality it is the key to unlocking their strength, control, and happiness.
How can therapy be helpful in addressing perfectionism?
At The Center for Progressive Psychotherapy, we help clients develop a healthier relationship with achievement—one where high standards support growth rather than emotional suffering. Therapy often involves identifying the fears and beliefs that drive perfectionism, such as fear of failure, rejection, or loss of control, and learning how to respond to them with greater flexibility and self-compassion.
This work may also include exploring identity—helping clients disentangle their sense of self-worth from performance and achievement—so they can build a more balanced, resilient, and fulfilling sense of self.
Dr. Sophie Park – one of our Psychologists trained to work with perfectionism – says, “The goal of therapy isn’t to become careless or unambitious. It’s to shift from perfectionism to healthy striving – maintaining high standards while cultivating flexibility, perspective, and self-respect.”
At The Center for Progressive Psychotherapy, we help clients develop a healthier relationship with achievement—one where high standards support growth rather than emotional suffering. Therapy often involves identifying the fears and beliefs that drive perfectionism, such as fear of failure, rejection, or loss of control, and learning how to respond to them with greater flexibility and self-compassion.
This work may also include exploring identity—helping clients disentangle their sense of self-worth from performance and achievement—so they can build a more balanced, resilient, and fulfilling sense of self.
Dr. Sophie Park – one of our Psychologists trained to work with perfectionism – says, “The goal of therapy isn’t to become careless or unambitious. It’s to shift from perfectionism to healthy striving – maintaining high standards while cultivating flexibility, perspective, and self-respect.”
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Next steps?
If you believe perfectionism may be affecting your well-being, relationships, or
quality of life, we invite you to connect with one of our psychologists. Call or
email us today to schedule an introductory call and learn how therapy can help.
