Perfectionism therapists in Oak Ridge, TN
Browse Perfectionism therapists in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Compare credentials, specialties and therapeutic approach. Contact a therapist to learn more.
Chasity Goddard
Marriage and Family Therapist, AMFT
At the heart of perfectionism is self-doubt. The remedy is self-love and acceptance. I use AAIT to help you heal from those traumas that created your desire for perfection and the task paralysis that keeps you from achieving your goals.
1 Years Experience
Online in Oak Ridge, TN (Online Only)
Becca Edwards
Therapist, LMSW, Ed.S., M.ed
Perfectionism can look like achievement on the outside while feeling like constant pressure on the inside. I work with clients who struggle with unrealistic expectations, self-criticism, fear of failure, or feeling that they are never doing enough. Therapy can help create more space for self-compassion, flexibility, and being human.
4 Years Experience
Online in Oak Ridge, TN
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 Oak Ridge, TN (Online Only)
Starlain Saldana
Psychologist, PhD, LP
While aspects of perfectionism have often been helpful for folks to achieve and get to where they are in life, it also has a shadow side rooted in fear of failure, shame, and anxiety. Additionally, our society often reinforces perfectionism in ways that make it difficult from which to un-tangle. Our work will hold the ways it has been helpful while also challenging you to gain comfort with 'good enough' approaches to life.
17 Years Experience
Online in Oak Ridge, TN
Marina Harris, Bloom Psychology Group
Psychologist, PhD, HSP-P, CMPC
Many of my clients have extremely high standards for themselves and base their self-worth on their ability to meet those standards. Usually perfectionism works to a certain point in their life - until it doesn't. On the inside, it can feel like nothing is ever quite good enough, rest feels unearned, and perfectionists can feel like they're one mistake away from a total meltdown. I help high-achievers loosen perfectionism's grip without losing their edge. I help performers work to be ambitious and at peace with themselves. To strive in a healthy way, and still feel like enough.
6 Years Experience
Online in Oak Ridge, TN (Online Only)
Perfectionism therapists in Oak Ridge, TN Statistics
Perfectionism therapists in Oak Ridge, 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 |