Perfectionism therapists in Hickory, NC
Browse Perfectionism therapists in Hickory, North Carolina. Compare credentials, specialties and therapeutic approach. Contact a therapist to learn more.
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 Hickory, NC (Online Only)
Perfectionism
Aria Fraser
Hypnotherapist, Certified Rapid Transformational Therapist
Perfectionism has its origins in such beliefs as someone feeling deep down, even without realizing it, that they are not good enough, and they need to be perfect to make up for it. Or, because their circumstances and life are imperfect, they want to create control where they can. They often feel unhappy and critical with themselves, and 'burnt out' from the effort involved in trying to achieve perfection, which could accurately be called 'a race with no finish line'. It can be formed from childhood experiences where they felt out of control, or unsafe, etc., which likely developed an unconscious belief while they were young. Rapid Transformational Therapy is very helpful to address the core reason for the need for perfection, then to interrupt it and release it, and replace it with empowering, positive suggestions directly to the subconscious mind, creating lasting change. The personalized recording would focus on ideas of self-acceptance and visualization of not needing perfectionism, etc.
0 Years Experience
Online in Hickory, NC (Online Only)
Perfectionism
Dr. Michael J. Lee
Psychologist
In therapy, I help individuals understand the emotional and relational patterns beneath perfectionistic striving, so that they can relate to themselves with greater freedom, flexibility, and self-trust. The aim is not to lower one’s standards, but to loosen the grip of harsh self-demand and make room for a fuller, more livable way of being.
9 Years Experience
Online in Hickory, NC
Perfectionism
Lynette Cisneros
Counselor/Therapist, LCMHC, LMHC
Perfectionism is an exhausting, unattainable self sabotage. Odds are you won't reach it because you will change the goal posts on yourself or minimize the outcome anyways. We will work to interrupt the unrealistic expectations you are putting upon yourself and others. Oftentimes the accompanying anxiety, compare & despair thinking, OCD/OCPD tendencies and/or the faulty messaging in youth will have to be deconstructed, redirected and released.
25 Years Experience
Online in Hickory, NC (Online Only)
Perfectionism
Kourtney Bennett
Psychologist, Ph.D.
Perfectionism often develops as an understandable way of coping rather than simply setting high standards. Together, we'll explore the experiences that shaped these patterns, reduce harsh self-criticism, and help you build a healthier relationship with achievement, mistakes, and self-worth.
9 Years Experience
Online in Hickory, NC
Perfectionism therapists in Hickory, NC Statistics
Perfectionism therapists in Hickory, NC average 14 years of experience and charge around $206 per session. 100% offer online sessions. The top treatment approaches are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) (79%), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) (56%), and Existential / Humanistic Therapy (38%).
Average years in practice
14 Years Experience
Average cost per session
$206
Accept insurance
48%
Offer sliding scale
31%
Gender ID
| 65% |
Female |
|
| 25% |
Male |
|
| 5% |
Gender Fluid |
|
| 5% |
Non-Binary |
|
Session Type
| 50% |
In Person and Online |
|
| 50% |
Online Only |
|
Top Treatment Approaches
| 79% | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) |
| 56% | Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) |
| 38% | Existential / Humanistic Therapy |
| 35% | Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) |
| 33% | Behavioral Therapy |
| 31% | Psychodynamic Therapy |
| 29% | Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) |
Ages Served
| 98% | Adult |
| 77% | Young Adult |
| 46% | Senior |
| 38% | Teen |
| 21% | Children |
Client Focus
| 52% | Women |
| 40% | LGBTQ+ |
| 35% | Men |
| 29% | Military / Veterans |
| 27% | Black / African American |