Perfectionism therapists in Tennessee
Browse Perfectionism therapists in Tennessee. Compare credentials, specialties and therapeutic approach. Contact a therapist to learn more.
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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 Multiple States
Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas
(Online Only)
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 Tennessee
(Online Only)
Heinig Health and Wellness Counseling
Psychologist, Ph.D. Clinical Psychology, M.S. Health Psychology, M.A. Clinical Psychology, PSYPACT Providers
We provide psychotherapy for individuals struggling with perfectionism, helping clients understand how high self-imposed standards, fear of failure, and self-criticism can impact emotional well-being and daily functioning. Our approach focuses on identifying unhelpful thought patterns, reducing all-or-nothing thinking, and developing more balanced and compassionate self-evaluations. Through evidence-based strategies, clients learn to tolerate mistakes, set realistic goals, and build flexibility in their expectations. Treatment supports greater self-acceptance, reduced anxiety and burnout, and a healthier, more sustainable approach to achievement and personal growth.
7 Years Experience
Online in
PSYPACT states
Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, CNMI, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
(Online Only)
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
In-Person in Gallatin, TN 37066
Online in
PSYPACT states
Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, CNMI, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
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
In-Person in Nashville, TN 37212
Online in Tennessee