Perfectionism

Counselling for Perfectionism in Bridgend, Cardiff, Carmarthen, Newport, and Porthcawl

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”. Counselling 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”

Causes of Perfectionism

• High expectations in childhood from family, school, or environment
• Past criticism or fear of being judged
• Linking self-worth to achievement or success
• Personality traits such as high responsibility or sensitivity
• Comparison with others, including social media influence
• Underlying anxiety or low self-esteem

Treatments for Perfectionism

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

A typical counselling treatment plan 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