Perfectionism therapists in Goldsboro, NC
Browse Perfectionism therapists in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Compare credentials, specialties and therapeutic approach. Contact a therapist to learn more.
View nearby cities
Perfectionism
Brittany Ryan-Berzins
Psychologist, PhD
Perfectionism can look like ambition, discipline, and high standards, yet beneath the surface it can be accompanied by self-doubt, anxiety, and the persistent feeling that you are never quite doing enough. My approach is grounded in compassion, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioral therapy, helping clients understand the beliefs and patterns that keep perfectionism in place while developing a kinder and more balanced relationship with themselves. Together, we explore the fear of mistakes, the need for control, and the tendency to measure self-worth through achievement or external validation. Rather than asking you to give up your aspirations, we work toward pursuing what matters with greater flexibility and freedom. Through increased self-awareness, self-compassion, and practical behavioral change, clients can learn to tolerate imperfection, quiet the inner critic, and experience a sense of accomplishment without constantly moving the goalposts. The goal is not to become less driven, but to be able to strive, grow, and succeed without sacrificing your well-being in the process.
16 Years Experience
Online in Goldsboro, NC
Perfectionism
Paul T. Haefner, PhD
Psychologist, PhD
Perfectionism looks like high standards from the outside and feels like never being enough on the inside. It fuels real achievement and... quiet exhaustion, procrastination, and dread of failing in front of others. I help high-achievers, athletes, and professionals keep the drive while loosening its grip: separating your worth from your performance, so you can pursue excellence without punishing yourself for being human.
35 Years Experience
Online in Goldsboro, NC
Perfectionism
Emily Stone
Marriage and Family Therapist, MA, MDiv, PhD, LMFT-S
Perfectionism: The High Cost of Being "Flawless"
Moving from Performance to Presence
Perfectionism is often rewarded by society, but internally, it can feel like a relentless taskmaster. It is the persistent whisper that says you are only as good as your last achievement, leading to a life of high-functioning burnout and a profound disconnection from your true self. In my practice, we don’t just "lower your standards"; we investigate the attachment roots of why "being perfect" became your primary strategy for safety and belonging.
The Perfectionist’s Paradox
Perfectionism isn't actually about excellence—it’s about protection. We work together to untangle:
The Procrastination Loop: Addressing the "all-or-nothing" thinking that leads to demand avoidance and paralyzing anxiety when a task feels too important to start.
Rejection Sensitivity: Understanding how the fear of a "flaw" is actually a fear of disconnection. If you aren't perfect, will you still be worthy of love and respect?
The "Shame-Vigilance" Cycle: The exhausting effort of "masking" your struggles to maintain a composed exterior, leading to a systemic shut down.
A Systems-Rooted Clinical Approach
With over 20 years of experience, I use a deep-reaching framework to help you trade "perfection" for "wholeness":
IFS-Informed Parts Work: We get curious about the "Perfectionist Part" of your system. This part likely took on its job very early to protect you from criticism or instability. We work to help this part feel safe enough to finally rest.
EMDR for Performance Anxiety: We use EMDR to process past memories of "failure" or moments where your worth was tied to your performance, neutralizing the triggers that fuel today's perfectionism.
Somatic Regulation: We learn to recognize the physical tension of "trying too hard" and use grounding tools to expand your Window of Tolerance, allowing you to be present even when things are messy.
For the "Professional" Perfectionists
As someone who works extensively with therapists, pastors, and professors, I understand the unique pressure of having to be a "model" of wellness or wisdom. I provide a confidential, courageous space where you can drop the "expert" mask and explore the messy, beautiful reality of being human.
21 Years Experience
Online in Goldsboro, NC (Online Only)
Perfectionism
Sarah Gersick
Psychologist, Ph.D.
When new stressors arise, they can activate old patterns like perfectionism that make it hard to cope in a healthy way. It helps to have a place to talk through what is happening today while also working to understand how the past is contributing to present symptoms. I am an experienced psychodynamic psychologist who can help you do both, so you can learn techniques to reduce distress you are feeling now, and make deep changes that lead to better coping in the future.
11 Years Experience
Online in Goldsboro, NC
Perfectionism
Kelly McAleer
Psychologist, Psy.D.
Perfectionism is one of the primary areas of focus in my practice. I work with adults who set exceptionally high standards for themselves and struggle with self-criticism, fear of failure, overthinking, procrastination, or the persistent sense that what they accomplish is never quite enough. My approach helps clients understand the deeper patterns driving perfectionism while developing greater flexibility, self-compassion, and the ability to pursue meaningful goals without their worth depending on how well they perform.
17 Years Experience
Online in Goldsboro, NC (Online Only)
Perfectionism therapists in Goldsboro, NC Statistics
Perfectionism therapists in Goldsboro, NC average 14 years of experience and charge around $217 per session. 100% offer online sessions. The top treatment approaches are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) (80%), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) (61%), and Existential / Humanistic Therapy (36%).
Average years in practice
14 Years Experience
Average cost per session
$217
Accept insurance
41%
Offer sliding scale
28%
Gender ID
| 67% |
Female |
|
| 25% |
Male |
|
| 4% |
Gender Fluid |
|
| 4% |
Non-Binary |
|
Session Type
| 53% |
In Person and Online |
|
| 47% |
Online Only |
|
Top Treatment Approaches
| 80% | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) |
| 61% | Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) |
| 36% | Existential / Humanistic Therapy |
| 36% | Psychodynamic Therapy |
| 33% | Motivational Interviewing (MI) |
| 33% | Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) |
| 31% | Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) |
Ages Served
| 98% | Adult |
| 78% | Young Adult |
| 45% | Senior |
| 41% | Teen |
| 14% | Children |
Client Focus
| 52% | Women |
| 38% | LGBTQ+ |
| 31% | Men |
| 27% | Military / Veterans |
| 25% | Asian |