If you struggle with perfectionism, psychologist Eve Kilmer of Boulder, CO, offers in-person and online therapy.
Understanding Perfectionism and How Therapy Can Help You Overcome It
Everyone has certain standards they want to meet and even exceed. These standards can provide structure, guidelines, and other helpful tools in our personal and professional lives.
Unfortunately, those who struggle with perfectionism often set strict or impossible-to-attain standards. While challenging oneself is good, berating oneself for not meeting them can lead to burnout, low self-worth, and damaged relationships.
However, being a perfectionist isn’t just something that happens. It is typically tied to issues like OCD, anxiety, fear of being judged, and other mental health struggles. It often originates in childhood experiences, such as feeling you could never please a parent.
Since being a perfectionist is so multi-layered, it can be hard to overcome on your own. Dr. Kilmer of Boulder, CO, shares below some of the ways a psychologist can help.
Uncovering the Root
It can be easier to address an issue when you understand what that issue is. Though we may not realize it, we often have negative thoughts and beliefs surrounding experiences that impact the rest of our lives. Sometimes, those thoughts and beliefs are misguided.
For example, if you grew up with a parent that was hard to please, it likely had nothing to do with you. The parent might have struggled with their own feelings of inadequacy and projected them onto you. On the other hand, they may not have known how to express praise, leaving you thinking you weren’t doing good enough. Identifying the root and challenging your thoughts and beliefs can help you see more clearly.
Gaining Awareness
Do you realize on your own when you are being too hard on yourself or is it someone else who points it out? Many perfectionists don’t recognize their goals as unrealistic, so they continue pushing toward them. Therapists can help you become more aware of how hard you push yourself, what triggers you to do that, and how you can change your habits.
Setting Yourself Up for Success
Psychologists can also help you learn how to set goals in a healthier and more attainable way. It may take some time, but you can learn valuable skills and processes you can use for the rest of your life.
Learn more about how therapy and working with a psychologist can help you overcome perfectionism by scheduling an in-person or online appointment with Dr. Kilmer of Boulder, CO, at (303) 995-9922.