Therapy Issues

EMDR for Perfectionism

Are you struggling with the effects of perfectionism?

Right now, you may be experiencing:

 

  • Relentless high standards that are difficult or impossible to meet
  • Harsh self-criticism when you fall short of your expectations
  • Procrastination due to fear of not performing perfectly
  • All-or-nothing thinking where anything less than perfect feels like failure
  • Excessive time spent on tasks trying to get them “just right”
  • Difficulty delegating or accepting help from others
  • Anxiety, stress, or burnout from constant striving

You've started to recognize how perfectionism is impacting your life:

  • Productivity is actually decreased by excessive standards
  • Relationships are strained by your expectations of yourself or others
  • Joy and satisfaction are diminished as you focus on flaws rather than achievements
  • Physical and mental health are suffering from constant pressure
  • Creativity and risk-taking are inhibited by fear of mistakes
  • Decision-making is paralyzed by fear of making the wrong choice
  • Your self-worth has become contingent on achievement and performance

You’re wondering…

  • Why do I hold myself to standards I would never expect of others?
  • Could my perfectionism be connected to past experiences or messages I received?
  • How does EMDR address perfectionism differently than cognitive approaches?
  • Will addressing underlying issues actually help me relax my standards?
  • Can EMDR help with both the emotional drivers and the habitual patterns of perfectionism?
  • Is it possible to maintain excellence without the suffering of perfectionism?
  • How do I distinguish between healthy high standards and harmful perfectionism?

You’re longing for…

  • Freedom from the constant pressure of impossible standards.
  • Self-worth that doesn’t depend on achievement or performance.
  • The ability to enjoy the process rather than focusing solely on outcomes.
  • Comfort with making mistakes and viewing them as growth opportunities.
  • More balanced use of time and energy across different life domains.
  • Reduced anxiety and increased enjoyment of your activities.
  • The capacity to be “good enough” in some areas rather than perfect in all.

How we can help you.

At Evergreen Counseling, we understand that perfectionism often develops as a strategy to gain approval, avoid criticism, or maintain a sense of control in an unpredictable world. Our trauma-informed approach recognizes that perfectionistic tendencies frequently have roots in earlier experiences where love or acceptance felt conditional, mistakes were harshly punished, or high achievement was the primary source of recognition.

What you’re longing for is possible.

Our experienced EMDR therapists utilize this powerful approach to address both the symptoms of perfectionism and their underlying causes. Through targeted therapeutic interventions, clients typically experience:

Before Therapy After Therapy

Your self-worth is entirely dependent on achievement and performance.

Arrow Icon

You develop a sense of inherent worth separate from your accomplishments.

Mistakes or criticism feel catastrophic and trigger intense shame.

Arrow Icon

You view mistakes as normal parts of growth and respond to feedback constructively.

Anxiety drives constant striving and prevents satisfaction with results.

Arrow Icon

You experience reduced anxiety and greater enjoyment of both process and outcome.

Procrastination or avoidance occurs when perfect results seem unattainable.

Arrow Icon

You approach tasks with realistic expectations and appropriate effort.

Rigid rules and standards control your behavior across life domains.

Arrow Icon

You flexibly adjust standards based on priorities and context.

What if I’m Not Ready?

Not Quite Ready to Book a Complimentary Concierge Matching Call? That’s Okay.

We understand that taking the first step towards therapy can feel overwhelming. We’re here to make this decision easier for you.

Starting therapy can bring up mixed feelings—part of you might be eager, while another part hesitates to confront deeply buried emotions. You might doubt whether therapy can help, especially if you’ve struggled for a long time or had disappointing experiences with untrained therapists or life coaches. At Evergreen Counseling, our trauma-trained therapists are deeply committed to providing expert care.

Here’s How We Can Help You Move Forward

  • Complimentary Concierge Matching Call: Our concierge matching call is an opportunity for you to ask questions, share your concerns, and see if our approach feels right for you—without any obligation.
  • Reimbursement Options: Concerned about the cost? We can guide you on how to get reimbursed for therapy using your out-of-network insurance benefits, making high-quality care more accessible to you.
  • Informed Decision: Whether you’re ready to start or still exploring your options, we want you to feel fully informed and confident in your choice.

Schedule Your Complimentary Concierge Matching Call

Schedule Now

What kind of therapy would you benefit from?

Take our 20-question, five-minute quiz to find out what kind of specialized therapy support you might need right now.