Perfectionism therapists in Charleston, South Carolina SC
We are proud to feature top rated Perfectionism therapists in Charleston. We encourage you to review each profile to find your best match.
Perfectionism
Jessica Anderson, PsyD
Psychologist, PsyD
Big changes—starting high school or college, changing schools, moving, or figuring out what comes next—can bring uncertainty, stress, and self-doubt. Even positive transitions can feel overwhelming. I help teens and young adults navigate these shifts with more clarity and confidence, building coping skills, resilience, and a stronger sense of direction so you can move forward feeling more grounded.
21 Years Experience
Online in Charleston, SC South Carolina (Online Only)
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 Charleston, SC South Carolina (Online Only)
Perfectionism
Carey Luker
Licensed Professional Counselor, LMHC, LPC
I work with individuals who feel stuck in the pressure of always needing to do more, be better, or get everything “right.” Perfectionism can be exhausting—it often comes with overthinking, self-criticism, people-pleasing, fear of disappointing others, and feeling like you can never fully relax or slow down. Many people look like they’re holding it all together on the outside while quietly feeling overwhelmed inside. In therapy, I create a supportive, judgment-free space where you can let your guard down and stop carrying so much pressure alone. Together, we work on building self-compassion, healthier boundaries, and a more balanced way of living that feels less overwhelming and more sustainable.
7 Years Experience
Online in Charleston, SC South Carolina (Online Only)
Perfectionism
Dr. Elizabeth Coldren
Psychologist, PSYD, PSYPACT
I work with people who hold themselves to very high standards and feel the cost of that internally. Perfectionism can look like overworking, difficulty stopping, constant self‑criticism, or a sense that nothing is ever quite enough. It can also look like procrastination, avoidance, or shutting down when something feels too overwhelming or too important to get wrong. Many people I see are highly responsible and often successful on the outside, but feel tense, depleted, or quietly anxious much of the time.
Perfectionism often develops as a way to stay safe, cope with unpredictability, or manage early experiences where being competent, careful, or invisible felt necessary. Over time, these strategies can become exhausting. You may notice that you rarely feel satisfied, that rest feels undeserved, or that you are harder on yourself than anyone else would ever be, even when you are doing your best.
In our work together, we make space for the part of you that strives and the part of you that is tired of striving. Rather than forcing you to “let go” of high standards, we get curious about what perfectionism has been protecting and what it is costing you now. We pay attention to how perfectionism shows up in your body, thoughts, and relationships, and look for ways of relating to yourself that are still responsible and thoughtful but less punishing, so you can experience more ease, satisfaction, and permission to be human in your work, relationships, and inner life. Working with perfectionism is a central part of my practice, and I have deep respect for how hard you’ve been working to hold everything together.
26 Years Experience
Online in Charleston, SC South Carolina
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 Charleston, SC South Carolina
Perfectionism therapists in Charleston, South Carolina Statistics
Perfectionism therapists in Charleston, South Carolina average 13 years of experience and charge around $198 per session. 100% offer online sessions. The top treatment approaches are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) (75%), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) (50%), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) (39%).
Average years in practice
13 Years Experience
Average cost per session
$198
Accept insurance
42%
Offer sliding scale
36%
Gender ID
| 70% |
Female |
|
| 18% |
Male |
|
| 7% |
Gender Fluid |
|
| 5% |
Non-Binary |
|
Session Type
| 53% |
Online Only |
|
| 47% |
In Person and Online |
|
Top Treatment Approaches
| 75% | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) |
| 50% | Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) |
| 39% | Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) |
| 39% | Family Systems Therapy |
| 39% | Motivational Interviewing (MI) |
| 31% | Existential / Humanistic Therapy |
| 31% | Behavioral Therapy |
Ages Served
| 97% | Adult |
| 75% | Young Adult |
| 44% | Senior |
| 42% | Teen |
| 19% | Children |
Client Focus
| 53% | Women |
| 33% | LGBTQ+ |
| 28% | Men |
| 25% | Black / African American |
| 25% | Persons with Disabilities |