Perfectionism Therapy in Toronto

Perfectionism is a common issue that many people struggle with, especially if they find themselves in demanding environments or have a tendency to put a lot of pressure on themselves to perform.

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While on the surface perfectionism can be mistaken for high standards, ambition, or motivation, the reality of perfectionism is that it actually derails our progress and productivity and contributes to chronic stress, self-doubt, and a sense that nothing you do is ever quite enough.

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Signs of Perfectionism

Perfectionism can show up in many subtle and sometimes contradictory ways, including:

• Fear of failure, criticism, or making mistakes

• Procrastination or difficulty starting tasks due to pressure to “do it right”

• All-or-nothing thinking (feeling like something is either a success or a failure)

• Feeling defined by productivity, achievement, or external validation

• Difficulty resting, slowing down, or feeling like you deserve breaks

• Harsh self-judgment and self-criticism when expectations aren’t met

• Avoiding opportunities or making decisions out of fear of getting them wrong

• Feeling stuck or overwhelmed when things don’t go exactly as planned

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How Therapy Can Help with Perfectionism

Therapy offers a space to slow down and gain a better understanding of where your perfectionistic tendencies are coming from and how they may be impacting your wellbeing, relationships, and sense of self. Therapy can also increase your awareness of the ways in which the demands of your career or personal responsibilities may be contributing to the issue.

 

Therapy for perfectionism isn’t about lowering your standards or reducing your motivation. Rather, therapy focuses on helping you relate to yourself with more compassion, flexibility and balance. Through therapy, you can learn to recognize unhelpful thought patterns, tolerate uncertainty, and begin to separate your self-worth from performance or outcomes.

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How I Work with Perfectionism

My approach to working with perfectionism begins with creating a supportive, non-judgmental space where you don’t need to perform or have everything figured out. Together, we can explore the beliefs, experiences, and expectations that have shaped your relationship with achievement and self-worth.

 

Our work focuses on helping you develop self-compassion and a more sustainable way of moving through life and work. The goal is to help you gain the confidence to set meaningful goals, take risks, and make decisions without being driven by pressure, fear of failure, or constant self-criticism.

 

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​If you’re considering online therapy for perfectionism and would like to inquire about working together, I invite you to get in touch to book your free 20-minute consultation. We can discuss your concerns and any questions you have, and determine whether we’d work well together!