Perfectionism

Loosening the Grip of Unrealistic Expectations Without Losing Your Drive

Perfectionism often hides in plain sight. On the outside, it may look like achievement, responsibility, or high standards. But internally, it can feel like never being enough—no matter how hard you try. You might find yourself overthinking, reworking, or second-guessing every decision, only to feel disappointed or anxious despite your effort.

While perfectionism can sometimes fuel success, it often comes at a cost: chronic stress, burnout, anxiety, procrastination, and difficulty experiencing rest, joy, or self-compassion. It can strain relationships and make it difficult to be vulnerable, ask for help, or embrace your own humanity.

Therapy provides a space to understand how perfectionism developed, what reinforces it, and how to shift toward a more sustainable and self-affirming way of living—without abandoning your values or ambition.

Support may focus on:

• Identifying perfectionistic thought patterns and behavior cycles

• Challenging rigid standards and all-or-nothing thinking

• Cultivating emotional flexibility and self-acceptance

• Reducing avoidance, procrastination, and internal pressure

• Learning to value progress, rest, and authenticity over constant performance

You don’t have to keep striving endlessly to earn your worth. Therapy can help you reconnect with your values, honor your goals, and build a life that includes compassion, rest, and genuine fulfillment.
At Rise Psychology, therapy for perfectionism focuses on sustainable change—helping clients move from self-criticism and burnout toward clarity, confidence, and balance.