Perfectionism therapists in Kingsport, TN
Browse Perfectionism therapists in Kingsport, Tennessee. Compare credentials, specialties and therapeutic approach. Contact a therapist to learn more.
Perfectionism
Kelsey Ellis
Psychologist, Ph.D., LCP
Perfectionism can create constant pressure to perform, anticipate, and prevent mistakes, often leaving little room for rest or self-compassion. Many women find themselves trapped in cycles of striving that feel productive on the surface but exhausting underneath. In therapy, we work to understand how these patterns developed and build more flexible ways of responding to expectations so that your sense of worth is not tied to constant output.
2 Years Experience
Online in Kingsport, TN (Online Only)
Perfectionism
Dr. Brittany Jacobson
Psychologist, PhD, CST
Perfectionism often looks like high standards on the surface, but underneath can be a fear of failure, criticism, or not being enough. I help you understand the roots of these patterns while gradually loosening their grip. Together, we will work toward a more flexible, self-compassionate way of relating to yourself and your goals. This way you can still be productive but also feel more at peace.
10 Years Experience
Online in Kingsport, TN
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 Kingsport, TN
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 Kingsport, TN (Online Only)
Perfectionism
Shelley Klammer
Counselor/Therapist, MTC, REACE, FOT, CHyp
Do you silently struggle with emotional overwhelm, anxiety or depression? Do you appear successful, cheerful, and emotionally stable on the outside while privately experiencing emotional pain? I specialize in working with women who have perfectionist tendencies and currently feel a disconnection from their authentic selves.
Like all people, you have a unique longing in your heart for something higher and more fulfilling. This differs from perfect ego fantasies seeking to compensate for core wound pain. You might have a genuine soul longing for a beautiful love relationship or financial freedom, for example. You might ache to express who you truly are in the world, or perhaps you want to find your core strength and accomplish something magnificent. Your deeper joy is blocked by unhealed childhood core wound pain, and it can be healed.
20 Years Experience
Online in Kingsport, TN (Online Only)
Perfectionism therapists in Kingsport, TN Statistics
Perfectionism therapists in Kingsport, TN average 12 years of experience and charge around $223 per session. 100% offer online sessions. The top treatment approaches are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) (77%), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) (56%), and Existential / Humanistic Therapy (38%).
Average years in practice
12 Years Experience
Average cost per session
$223
Accept insurance
36%
Offer sliding scale
36%
Gender ID
| 74% |
Female |
|
| 22% |
Male |
|
| 2% |
Gender Fluid |
|
| 2% |
Non-Binary |
|
Session Type
| 51% |
Online Only |
|
| 49% |
In Person and Online |
|
Top Treatment Approaches
| 77% | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) |
| 56% | Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) |
| 38% | Existential / Humanistic Therapy |
| 36% | Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) |
| 31% | Behavioral Therapy |
| 31% | Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) |
| 31% | Family Systems Therapy |
Ages Served
| 97% | Adult |
| 72% | Young Adult |
| 38% | Senior |
| 31% | Teen |
| 15% | Children |
Client Focus
| 44% | Women |
| 31% | LGBTQ+ |
| 26% | Men |
| 21% | Military / Veterans |
| 21% | Persons with Disabilities |