Therapy for perfectionism
Turn your maladaptive perfectionism into a balanced pursuit toward your ambitions with our NYC therapists.
- Delaying tasks out of fear of making mistakes
- Constant worry and tension stemming from the pressure to be perfect
- All-or-nothing thinking
- Overworking and neglecting self-care to meet high standards
- Basing self-worth off of achievements
- Constantly feeling like you need to do more or be more
- Trouble being in the moment
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Overemphasizing other peoples’ opinions
- And many others!
Unhealthy perfectionism can drive us to set unrealistically high standards, often accompanied by a loud inner critic that seems to never think we’re “good enough.” Perfectionism can prevent us from acknowledging our accomplishments, maximize our shortcomings, and heighten feelings of restlessness and anxiety.
While healthy perfectionism can be helpful, unhealthy perfectionism can unintentionally take control of our lives, which is why it’s worth exploring with a professional.
Signs of unhealthy perfectionism can include:
Is your inner perfectionist making you feel anxious, burnt out, and dissatisfied?
Perfectionism is often reinforced by societal pressures (especially in a work-oriented city like New York), making it particularly challenging to recognize its harmful impact until it becomes overwhelming.
While the causes for each individual are complicated, they can stem from:
What contributes to unhealthy perfectionism?
family traits (e.g., a parent with perfectionism)
internalized unrealistic expectations
receiving conditional love
punishment & criticism for making mistakes
predisposition to anxiety
While maladaptive perfectionism has been linked to burnout, anxiety disorders, depression, and OCD, adaptive perfectionism has been associated with greater motivation, resilience, and self-esteem. With the right support, you can transform your approach to achieving success.
Let go of the perfectionism that bogs you down in exchange for the perfectionism that helps you thrive.
- Therapy helps you develop a more realistic and compassionate self-view, especially in the face of setbacks and perceived failures.
- It teaches you to alleviate the constant pressure and worry associated with perfectionistic standards.
- You’ll learn techniques such as how to develop healthier habits and coping mechanisms, challenge the unhelpful thought patterns that perpetuate unhealthy perfectionism, and how to manage stress and reduce procrastination and burnout caused by perfectionism.
How therapy helps
start your therapy journey
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Mindfulness-based (MBCT)
Somatic
Dialectical behavior (DBT)
EMDR
Psychodynamic
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Attachment-based
Trauma focused
KAP
Biofeedback
Our integrative therapists combine empirically-supported strategies with a personalized approach to help you achieve a balanced and fulfilling life. We take into account how your upbringing, present-day stressors, and mind-body connection are all contributing to unhealthy perfectionism.
Your psychotherapist may use a range of modalities, depending on your needs and experiences. Each treatment plan is tailored to you, with your goals and preferences at the forefront.
Our Empirically-Supported and Individualized Approach
how we approach perfectionism
Therapy Frameworks
