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Therapy for Perfectionism: How to Overcome Anxiety and Burnout | Cultivate Your Essence
- Tasha Jackson, MS. QMHP
- Sep 14
- 2 min read
Hey everyone! Today, let’s dive into a topic many of us can probably relate to: perfectionism.
On the surface, it sounds great, right? Striving for excellence, paying attention to detail, wanting things to be "just right." And yes, sometimes that drive can lead to amazing accomplishments.
But what happens when “just right” turns into never good enough?
When the pursuit of perfection becomes a relentless, exhausting cycle?
What Is Perfectionism Really About?
Perfectionism isn’t always about achieving more; often it’s rooted in fear:
Fear of failure
Fear of judgment
Fear of not being good enough
Fear of making mistakes
This can show up in so many ways: endlessly re-doing tasks, procrastinating because the “perfect” moment never arrives, being overly critical of yourself (and sometimes others), or avoiding new experiences because you’re afraid you won’t excel immediately.
Signs of Unhealthy Perfectionism
So how do you know when your pursuit of high standards has tipped into unhealthy perfectionism?
Here are some red flags to watch for:
Procrastination: You delay starting tasks because you feel pressure to make them flawless.
Burnout and Exhaustion: You’re constantly working but rarely feel satisfied.
Anxiety and Stress: Persistent worry about making mistakes or falling short of impossible standards.
Harsh Self-Criticism: You are your own biggest critic.
Difficulty Delegating: You feel no one else can do it “right.”
Relationship Strain: High standards impact your connections with others.
Low Self-Esteem: Despite your achievements, you still feel inadequate.
(For more on how perfectionism impacts mental health, check out the APA’s perspective on perfectionism).
When to Seek Therapy for Perfectionism:
If any of the above resonates with you and you find perfectionism is:
Causing distress: You feel unhappy, anxious, or constantly stressed.
Disrupting your life: It’s affecting your work, relationships, hobbies, or wellbeing.
Leading to other issues: Depression, chronic anxiety, burnout, or even physical symptoms like headaches or sleep problems.
Holding you back: You avoid opportunities for fear of failure.
Feeling unmanageable: You’ve tried to cope on your own but feel stuck.
These are clear signs it might be time to consider therapy for perfectionism.
How Therapy Can Help You Overcome Perfectionism:
Working with a therapist can help you:
Identify the root causes of your perfectionism.
Challenge unhelpful thought patterns.
Develop coping skills for stress and anxiety.
Embrace self-compassion and “good enough.”
Set realistic goals and celebrate progress.
At Cultivate Your Essence, our licensed therapists in Chicago, IL and Atlanta, GA specialize in helping Black Women and Women of Color move beyond perfectionism and reclaim their joy, peace, and confidence.
Take the Next Step Toward Healing:
Remember, life isn’t about being perfect; it’s about growing, learning, and finding joy in the journey. And sometimes, that journey is a little messy—and that’s perfectly okay.
If you’re ready to release the weight of perfectionism and experience the freedom of self-acceptance, we’re here to walk with you.
Book your therapy session today with Cultivate Your Essence and start building a life rooted in balance, compassion, and healing.
Share Your Experience:
What are your thoughts on perfectionism? Have you struggled with it? Share your story in the comments—we’d love to hear from you.
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