Perfectionism therapists in Palm Springs, California CA
We are proud to feature top rated Perfectionism therapists in Palm Springs. We encourage you to review each profile to find your best match.
Perfectionism
Melanie Simms
Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT
I believe that self-compassion is the antidote for perfectionism. I work with clients to heal from early traumatic experiences that may have led to the development of perfectionism as a coping mechanism. I help clients develop their overall feeling of self-worth and treat themselves with greater compassion to reduce perfectionistic tendencies.
11 Years Experience
Online in Palm Springs, CA California
Perfectionism
Mia Turner
Therapist, MA, RYT, ASDCS, LMFT, NPT-C, CMNCS, CMIP
Perfectionism is often less about striving for excellence and more about seeking safety, belonging, predictability, acceptance, or protection. It can develop in response to trauma, marginalization, giftedness, neurodivergence, family expectations, racism, ableism, cultural pressures, high-achievement environments, or experiences where mistakes felt costly and being "good enough" never quite felt good enough.
What is often labeled as perfectionism may also reflect a nervous system that learned to stay vigilant, perform, overprepare, overachieve, self-monitor, mask, or anticipate problems in order to avoid criticism, rejection, disappointment, conflict, shame, or harm. For many people, perfectionism becomes intertwined with identity, self-worth, productivity, competence, and the belief that value must be earned rather than inherently possessed. It may show up as chronic self-criticism, difficulty resting, procrastination, overthinking, people-pleasing, hyper-independence, fear of failure, fear of success, difficulty making decisions, or feeling as though there is always more that should be done.
This work explores the protective role perfectionism has played throughout your life while examining the ways it may be impacting relationships, wellbeing, creativity, joy, authenticity, and connection with yourself. Particular attention is given to the influence of family systems, culture, gender, neurodivergence, trauma, and the internalized narratives that shape how you relate to achievement, mistakes, success, failure, worthiness, and belonging.
My approach is grounded in the belief that perfectionism is often an adaptive survival strategy rather than a personal flaw. Rather than attempting to simply eliminate perfectionistic tendencies, we become curious about what those parts are protecting, what they fear might happen if they loosened their grip, and what needs may exist beneath the pressure to perform. Using EMDR, somatic therapy, mindfulness, polyvagal-informed practices, parts work, neuropsychotherapy, expressive arts, attachment-focused approaches, and liberation-oriented healing, therapy supports developing a more compassionate relationship with the parts of yourself that learned to equate achievement with safety.
Attention is also given to the ways perfectionism lives in the body and nervous system. This may include chronic tension, difficulty slowing down, overactivation, self-monitoring, exhaustion, difficulty experiencing satisfaction, or feeling unable to rest without guilt. Through greater awareness of sensation, emotion, nervous system states, and embodied experience, space is created for increased flexibility, self-trust, self-compassion, and choice.
The goal is not to stop caring, striving, creating, achieving, or growing. It is to cultivate a relationship with yourself that is not dependent upon performance, productivity, approval, or getting everything right. Often, the work involves reclaiming authenticity, playfulness, creativity, rest, joy, pace, and the internal permission to be fully human rather than a constant self-improvement project.
10 Years Experience
Online in Palm Springs, CA California (Online Only)
Perfectionism
Romina Schnelle
Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT
Perfectionism can leave you feeling like nothing you do is ever good enough, despite your accomplishments. It often fuels anxiety, self-criticism, procrastination, burnout, and a constant fear of making mistakes or disappointing others. Together, we'll explore the underlying beliefs and experiences that contribute to these patterns while developing healthier ways to approach success, setbacks, and self-worth. My goal is to help you build greater self-compassion, flexibility, and confidence so you can pursue your goals without being held back by perfectionism.
6 Years Experience
Online in Palm Springs, CA California (Online Only)
Perfectionism
New Beginnings Christian Counseling
Marriage and Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Perfectionism can feel like a constant pressure to perform, achieve, or appear “good enough,” often leaving you exhausted, anxious, or self-critical. It’s usually rooted in early experiences, fear of failure, or unmet expectations. In therapy, we explore the beliefs driving perfectionistic patterns, develop healthier self-compassion, and create practical strategies for balance and emotional freedom. With Christ-centered guidance, you’ll learn to embrace progress over perfection, honor your worth, and live with greater peace and authenticity.
15 Years Experience
Online in Palm Springs, CA California
Perfectionism
Sarah Jane Thomas
Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT
Perfectionism keeps you stuck in all-or-nothing thinking, where everything has to be perfect or it feels like a total failure. This mindset makes it really hard to exist in the grey area where life actually happens. We will explore where those rigid standards came from and practice getting comfortable with the messiness of being human instead of striving for unattainable perfection. Our work is about reminding you that you matter even when you are not producing, achieving, or grinding your way through the day.
11 Years Experience
Online in Palm Springs, CA California (Online Only)
Perfectionism therapists in Palm Springs, California Statistics
Perfectionism therapists in Palm Springs, California average 12 years of experience and charge around $203 per session. 100% offer online sessions. The top treatment approaches are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) (73%), Somatic Therapy (49%), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) (47%).
Average years in practice
12 Years Experience
Average cost per session
$203
Accept insurance
42%
Offer sliding scale
40%
Gender ID
| 69% |
Female |
|
| 17% |
Male |
|
| 8% |
Non-Binary |
|
| 6% |
Gender Fluid |
|
Session Type
| 53% |
In Person and Online |
|
| 47% |
Online Only |
|
Top Treatment Approaches
| 73% | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) |
| 49% | Somatic Therapy |
| 47% | Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) |
| 42% | Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) |
| 40% | Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) |
| 40% | Psychodynamic Therapy |
| 38% | Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) |
Ages Served
| 100% | Adult |
| 82% | Young Adult |
| 60% | Senior |
| 47% | Teen |
| 20% | Children |
Client Focus
| 67% | Women |
| 53% | LGBTQ+ |
| 36% | Hispanic / Latino |
| 33% | Persons with Disabilities |
| 31% | Asian |