Perfectionism therapists in Jackson, TN
Browse Perfectionism therapists in Jackson, Tennessee. Compare credentials, specialties and therapeutic approach. Contact a therapist to learn more.
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 Jackson, TN (Online Only)
Patricia McGuire
Counselor/Therapist, LPC-MHSP, NCC
That pesky, exacting standard that seems to never leave us alone. Together, we will dismantle and challenge perfectionism to help you find freedom.
11 Years Experience
Online in Jackson, TN
Michael Brustein
Psychologist, Psy.D
I have spent an extensive amount of time researching, writing and working with patients with perfectionism. I am aware and address the many challenges perfectionists face when entering therapy. In general, perfectionists may be prone to terminating therapy prematurely. For example, a self-oriented perfectionist may interpret seeking help as though they are flawed and end the relationships quickly. Socially oriented perfectionists may want to please their therapist and thus not reveal thoughts and feelings and feel dissatisfied with the therapy process. By discussing the therapy relationship and monitoring thoughts and feelings throughout the process premature termination can be avoided. Through the therapy relationship perfectionists may also develop and internalize new coping skills to manage expectations. For example, new relationship experiences that occur in the therapy relationship (ex: expressing needs or being vulnerable) may generalize to other social settings. Other oriented perfectionists who can learn to accept the imperfections of their therapist can learn to possibly be more tolerant of others.
I also work with perfectionist patients on learning to manage anxiety regarding expectations and teach self-acceptance and compassion skills using mindfulness and Buddhist influenced interventions. I also help perfectionists identify and manage maladaptive cognitions and patterns that lead to distress. I help perfectionists develop more balanced thinking. I help teach self-oriented perfectionists how to set boundaries and say “no” to others. Many perfectionists, particularly self-oriented perfectionists are reluctant to let go of expectations fearing this will impair performance. Managing perfectionism however, does not necessarily mean desiring less, but changing one’s relationship and response to when expectations are not met.
22 Years Experience
Online in Jackson, TN (Online Only)
Cascade Psychological Services, PLLC
Psychologist, PsyD, PMH-C
Perfectionism often develops as more than a preference for high standards; it can become a way of securing approval, preventing criticism, or managing uncertainty. We explore the experiences that made achievement and control feel necessary while practicing more flexible, values-based ways of working, resting, relating, and taking risks.
16 Years Experience
Online in Jackson, TN
Jason Holland
Psychologist, Ph.D.
Perfectionism often looks like high standards, but it is usually driven by fear of failure, criticism, or not being enough. We can work on loosening the pressure without lowering what you value. The focus is on more flexible thinking, better self-compassion, and the ability to take action without needing everything to be flawless.
25 Years Experience
Online in Jackson, TN
Perfectionism therapists in Jackson, TN Statistics
Perfectionism therapists in Jackson, TN average 13 years of experience and charge around $211 per session. 100% offer online sessions. The top treatment approaches are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) (76%), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) (60%), and Psychodynamic Therapy (35%).
Average years in practice
13 Years Experience
Average cost per session
$211
Accept insurance
38%
Offer sliding scale
30%
Gender ID
| 73% |
Female |
|
| 25% |
Male |
|
| 1% |
Gender Fluid |
|
| 1% |
Non-Binary |
|
Session Type
| 54% |
In Person and Online |
|
| 46% |
Online Only |
|
Top Treatment Approaches
| 76% | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) |
| 60% | Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) |
| 35% | Psychodynamic Therapy |
| 33% | Existential / Humanistic Therapy |
| 33% | Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) |
| 30% | Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) |
| 29% | Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) |
Ages Served
| 97% | Adult |
| 75% | Young Adult |
| 41% | Senior |
| 38% | Teen |
| 13% | Children |
Client Focus
| 49% | Women |
| 33% | LGBTQ+ |
| 27% | Men |
| 22% | Asian |
| 21% | Black / African American |