Perfectionism therapists in Madison, WI
Browse Perfectionism therapists in Madison, Wisconsin. Compare credentials, specialties and therapeutic approach. Contact a therapist to learn more.
Perfectionism
Amy Holder
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CIMPH
I help clients break free from the pressure to be perfect by exploring the fears and beliefs that drive perfectionism. Our work focuses on developing self-compassion, flexibility, and healthier standards that support growth rather than burnout.
15 Years Experience
Online in Madison, WI (Online Only)
Perfectionism
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 Madison, WI (Online Only)
Perfectionism
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 Madison, WI (Online Only)
Perfectionism
Madison Zimbal
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA counseling intern under supervision
Perfectionism can look like high achievement on the outside, but internally it often feels like pressure, self-criticism, fear of mistakes, and never feeling “enough.” I work with those who find themselves stuck in cycles of overthinking, overworking, people-pleasing, or holding impossibly high standards for themselves. In therapy, we explore where these patterns come from and how they show up in daily life—academically, professionally, relationally, and emotionally. Many clients struggling with perfectionism feel a constant sense of urgency or fear that they are falling short, even when they are doing more than enough. My approach is both supportive and practical. I help clients begin to notice rigid thought patterns, challenge all-or-nothing thinking, and develop a more compassionate and flexible way of relating to themselves. We also work on building emotional tolerance for imperfection, mistakes, and “good enough” moments without overwhelming guilt or anxiety. For clients who desire it, Christian counseling can be integrated to explore themes of grace, identity, and worth beyond performance. Faith can offer a grounding reminder that value is not earned through achievement, but received through inherent worth. My goal is to help clients step out of the cycle of pressure and into a more balanced, self-compassionate way of living, where success is no longer defined by perfection, but by growth, peace, and authenticity.
1 Years Experience
Online in Madison, WI
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 Madison, WI
Madison is home to the University of Wisconsin — one of the top research universities in the country — and serves as Wisconsin's state capital, giving it an unusually high concentration of academics, researchers, and government professionals who collectively represent one of the most therapy-positive demographics in the Midwest. The city's progressive political culture and high rate of higher education strongly correlate with high therapy utilization and acceptance across multiple demographics. UW Health and SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital provide institutional mental health resources, with a well-developed private practice community serving Willy Street, Atwood, and the Near East Side. Madison's growing Latino, Hmong, and East African communities are increasing demand for multilingual and culturally grounded therapists.
Perfectionism therapists in Madison, WI Statistics
Perfectionism therapists in Madison, WI average 12 years of experience and charge around $230 per session. 100% offer online sessions. The top treatment approaches are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) (82%), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) (59%), and Existential / Humanistic Therapy (33%).
Average years in practice
12 Years Experience
Average cost per session
$230
Accept insurance
41%
Offer sliding scale
33%
Gender ID
| 74% |
Female |
|
| 22% |
Male |
|
| 2% |
Gender Fluid |
|
| 2% |
Non-Binary |
|
Session Type
| 51% |
In Person and Online |
|
| 49% |
Online Only |
|
Top Treatment Approaches
| 82% | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) |
| 59% | Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) |
| 33% | Existential / Humanistic Therapy |
| 31% | Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) |
| 31% | Psychodynamic Therapy |
| 28% | Behavioral Therapy |
| 28% | Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) |
Ages Served
| 97% | Adult |
| 69% | Young Adult |
| 33% | Teen |
| 31% | Senior |
| 13% | Children |
Client Focus
| 46% | Women |
| 26% | LGBTQ+ |
| 23% | Men |
| 21% | Military / Veterans |
| 18% | Black / African American |