When a person is a perfectionist, the quality of his or her life suffers. I specialize in working with people who may suffer from a mild to severe form of perfectionism. Don’t be alarmed. Many people fit into the description of being a perfectionist and it is something YOU can change. We work together to increase self esteem, challenge irrational beliefs, understand the origins of your perfectionism, learn to practice self care, to say "no" without guilt, and acknowledge your needs and wants. You can learn to ask for what you need and to give yourself the same kindness and acceptance you give others. If you or some in your family fits the description of a perfectionist, please call me for an appointment. When you come into the office for a consultation, you will answer a questionnaire to determine the areas of your perfectionist thinking.

The Center offers workshops on Letting go of Perfectionism in addition to individual counseling. Please check out Current Workshops for the latest offerings.

Characteristics of Perfectionists

1. I must be all things to all people and I am responsible for everyone in my universe.
2. I am the only one who can do the job right so I don't delegate.
3. I must be pleasant and cheery to everyone.
4. I don't know how to relax and just play or be playful.
5. I feel guilty about my role as a wife, husband, mother, father, friend, etc.. I could be better at them..
6. I am a procrastinator.
7. I never feel "good enough."
8. I don't like change and avoid risks.
9. I compare myself to others and am disappointed often.
10. I often feel ashamed over small events.
11. I am often late because I do too much.
12. I don't know how to care for myself, only others.
13. I feel disappointed in others because they don't meet up to my expectations.
14. I am very hard on others and myself. I have a critic in my mind most of the time.
15. I want everyone to do things the way I do them.
16. I feel down or depressed often.
17. I have very high standards for myself but not as much for others.
18. I need to be in control and feel uncomfortable if I am not.
19. I work very hard and have little time for play.
20. I do not like to make mistakes and if I do, I berate myself.

Perfectionism, like a thermometer, exists in degrees.

If you have over 5 characteristics, you probably have some perfectionistic tendencies.

The higher the number of traits, the more perfectionistic you are and the more it interferes with the quality of your life.