Counselling for Perfectionism

Our psychologists and counsellors at Evolving Minds Counselling and Psychology provide evidence-based counselling for perfectionism at our Menai practice in the Sutherland Shire, with online sessions available across Sydney and Australia. We support children, adolescents, adults and older adults experiencing the emotional, cognitive and behavioural impacts of unrelenting standards and self-criticism.

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Perfectionism involves setting extremely high expectations and tying self-worth to performance or achievement. While motivation and high standards can be strengths, perfectionism becomes challenging when mistakes feel unacceptable, goals never feel “good enough,” or fear of failure leads to avoidance, procrastination, burnout or emotional distress.​

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In children, perfectionism may appear as distress when things are not “just right,” reluctance to try new tasks unless success feels certain, or heightened anxiety around schoolwork or sport. For some children, these pressures may also contribute to school refusal or heightened separation anxiety, particularly when worries about performance or making mistakes feel overwhelming.

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In adolescents, perfectionism can show up as academic pressure, social withdrawal, self-doubt, procrastination or overworking. In adults, it may contribute to overachievement, indecision, sleep disruption, burnout or ongoing feelings of inadequacy despite success.

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Perfectionism often coexists with generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), eating disorders, body image concerns, ADHD and traits associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). 

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​At Evolving Minds, our clinicians take a collaborative, trauma-informed and neuro-affirming approach to help clients identify the thoughts, emotions and beliefs driving perfectionistic patterns. Therapy focuses on increasing emotional awareness, reducing self-criticism and developing balanced, sustainable ways of thinking and coping.

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Our psychologists and counsellors draw on a range of evidence-based therapies, including:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Schema Therapy

• Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT)

• Radically Open DBT (RO DBT)

• Mindfulness-Based strategies

 

These approaches help recognise internal pressure, shift rigid thinking patterns and develop tools that support confidence, emotional regulation and meaningful change.

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If you or someone you care about is experiencing the effects of perfectionism, call Evolving Minds Counselling and Psychology in Menai on 02 8519 4197, or click the button below to book an appointment.