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Perfectionism,
People Pleasing,
and More

What is Perfectionism?

Perfectionism is the pattern of setting unrealistically high standards for oneself and striving for flawlessness in everything one does. While striving for excellence can be healthy, perfectionism is an extreme version of this that can be debilitating. It often leads to stress, procrastination, low self-esteem, and burnout. It can also make it hard to feel satisfied with your accomplishments or accept mistakes, which might make it hard to even get started on your pursuits.

What is People Pleasing?

People-pleasing can happen when someone develops the pattern of prioritizing others' needs and desires over their own, often to gain approval or avoid conflict. This behaviour can lead to neglecting personal boundaries and feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to meet others' expectations. In the most extreme cases, it can also lead to resentment, burnout, a fear of letting others down, and low self-esteem.

How Can Therapy Help With These?

Behavioural patterns or "roles" that we step into, such as the Perfectionist and People Pleaser, are often rooted in shameful beliefs about ourselves. Therapy helps unravel these unhelpful patterns by providing a safe space to explore their underlying causes, such as past experiences or deep-seated beliefs.

 

Through techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), inner child work, IFS, and mindfulness, I can help individuals transform these negative thought patterns, process old emotional wounds, develop healthier self-esteem, and set boundaries, ultimately fostering more balanced and authentic ways of thinking and behaving. With support, you can learn to pursue your goals and honour your needs with more balance and self-compassion.

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Contact me to learn more about how I can support you in a free consultation!

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