Perfectionism

Talking therapies for Perfectionism in Cardiff, Carmarthen and online via video.

Perfectionism involves setting extremely high or unrealistic standards for oneself and feeling intense pressure to avoid mistakes. While striving for success can be positive, perfectionism often leads to self-criticism, stress, anxiety, and burnout. People who struggle with perfectionism may find it difficult to relax, fear failure, or avoid tasks unless they can be done “perfectly”. Talking therapies can help individuals understand the roots of their perfectionism, develop a healthier mindset, and find a more balanced way of living and working.

Symptoms of Perfectionism

• Setting unrealistically high standards for yourself
• Fear of making mistakes or being seen as inadequate
• Spending excessive time on tasks to make them “just right”
• Difficulty starting or finishing tasks due to fear of failure
• Harsh self-criticism and focus on perceived flaws
• Procrastination linked to anxiety about performance
• Feeling that achievements are never “good enough”

Therapy for Perfectionism

Talking therapies can be highly effective in addressing perfectionism. Using approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), compassion-focused therapy, and person-centred talking therapies, individuals can explore the beliefs driving their perfectionism and develop more realistic, self-supportive ways of thinking. At iTT, our therapists help clients reduce self-criticism, improve self-worth, and build a healthier relationship with achievement and success.

Talking therapies for perfectionism includes:

• An initial assessment to understand personal history, expectations, and current difficulties
• Identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and rigid rules about success and failure
• Challenging perfectionistic beliefs and developing more balanced perspectives
• Introducing self-compassion and realistic goal-setting
• Building long-term strategies to manage pressure, reduce burnout, and support wellbeing