Perfectionism Therapists in York, England

I work with perfectionism as more than a behavioral pattern, exploring the deeper fears and self-demands that drive it. Together, we aim to soften rigid standards, reduce self-criticism, and develop a more sustainable and compassionate way of relating to achievement and self-worth.

Perfectionism often masquerades as high standards, but underneath it’s usually a fear-driven strategy for avoiding shame or criticism. I help clients trace where that pattern was learned and separate genuine excellence from the exhausting, anxious version that never feels like enough.

I help high-achieving individuals break free from perfectionism and the constant pressure to “get it right.” Therapy focuses on softening self-criticism, addressing underlying fears, and building a more sustainable, self-compassionate way of being.

Perfectionism can become a highly effective way of staying productive, responsible and in control while leaving little room for one's own needs. I use IFS-informed work to explore the protective parts behind people-pleasing, over-functioning and unrelenting standards, particularly when these patterns contribute to burnout, anxiety or relationship strain.

For many women, perfectionism is not simply about high standards or wanting to “do things well”. Often it develops as a way of feeling safe, accepted and emotionally protected. Many women living abroad become highly skilled at monitoring themselves: how they speak, how they appear, how they are perceived, whether they are doing enough, achieving enough, adapting enough. Over time, this constant self-monitoring can create emotional exhaustion, anxiety, chronic pressure and a nervous system that struggles to fully relax. For many Italian women living between cultures and expectations, perfectionism can become deeply connected to belonging, identity and the fear of being judged as “too much”, “not enough” or somehow different. My work explores the deeper emotional and nervous system patterns underneath perfectionism, people pleasing and over-functioning. I offer a warm, reflective and holistic space where women can begin reconnecting with self-worth, authenticity and inner safety without constantly needing to perform, adapt or prove themselves. I integrate psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, EFT, embodiment, lifestyle medicine, reflective dialogue and nature-based approaches to support women in moving from chronic pressure toward greater emotional ease, regulation and self-trust.

York is one of England's most historically significant cities, with a thriving tourism economy, two universities—the University of York and York St John University—and a housing market that has become increasingly expensive relative to local wages, creating financial stress for many permanent residents behind the city's prosperous surface. NHS mental health services are provided through Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, and a private therapy sector serves those seeking faster access to care. The city's large student population creates significant demand for young adult mental health services, and the University of York's counselling centre is an important resource for enrolled students. Common therapy concerns include anxiety, relationship difficulties, financial stress, and the particular pressures of living in a highly sought-after city where the cost of staying is increasingly prohibitive for those not working in well-paid sectors.

Gender ID

	82%	Female
	18%	Male

Session Type

	55%	Online Only
	45%	In Person and Online

Top Treatment Approaches

73%	Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
55%	Somatic Therapy
45%	Integrative Therapy
45%	Internal Family Systems (IFS)
36%	Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
36%	Behavioral Therapy
27%	Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

Ages Served

100%	Adult
55%	Young Adult
27%	Teen
18%	Senior
9%	Children

Client Focus

55%	Women
36%	Men
27%	Asian
27%	LGBTQ+
18%	Persons with Disabilities

Perfectionism therapists in York, England

Mariana Amat

Marc Donegan, Psychotherapist

Nadia Zamzul

Anne-Lynn Teoh

Marianna Trezza -The Growing mindset