Perfectionism therapists in Pulaski, TN
Browse Perfectionism therapists in Pulaski, Tennessee. Compare credentials, specialties and therapeutic approach. Contact a therapist to learn more.
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 Pulaski, 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 Pulaski, TN (Online Only)
Alyssa Smyth
Psychologist, PhD
If you hold yourself to very high standards yet rarely feel satisfied with your efforts, perfectionism may be driving constant pressure beneath the surface. While striving for excellence can be a strength, perfectionism often brings self-criticism, worry about mistakes, and difficulty slowing down. Therapy focuses on understanding these patterns and developing healthier ways to pursue high standards without the chronic strain.
6 Years Experience
Online in Pulaski, TN
Julie Cochrane - Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT) Therapist
Hypnotherapist, Clinical Hypnotherapist, RTT-T, Rewind Therapy Practitioner, Integration Coaching
Perfectionism is not really about high standards. It is about safety. Somewhere along the way, the subconscious decided that being good enough, being beyond criticism or being in complete control was the way to be safe and accepted. That decision then becomes a daily tax: overworking, second-guessing, never quite arriving. RTT goes back to the moment that decision was made and updates the meaning underneath it. The standards can stay. What changes is the price you pay to meet them. Most of my perfectionist clients are women in leadership, founders or creatives. The work is online via Zoom and confidential.
6 Years Experience
Online in Pulaski, TN (Online Only)
Lauren Chavis
Psychologist, PsyD, PMH-C
Perfectionism often looks successful from the outside while feeling exhausting on the inside. You may set incredibly high standards for yourself, struggle with mistakes, overthink decisions, or feel that what you accomplish is never quite enough. Therapy can help you loosen these patterns without giving up the ambition and values that are important to you.
16 Years Experience
Online in Pulaski, TN
Perfectionism therapists in Pulaski, TN Statistics
Perfectionism therapists in Pulaski, 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 |