Therapy for Perfectionism in Ottawa

While each of our therapists has their own unique approach, we all believe that Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) is a powerful approach for addressing perfectionism. EFT works by helping you connect with your emotions in a more constructive way. When you’re a perfectionist, emotions like fear, shame, and frustration often build up. Instead of acknowledging and processing these emotions, you might push them away or let them fuel your perfectionistic drive.

EFT helps you slow down and tune into these emotions. It invites you to fully experience your feelings, instead of suppressing them or being consumed by them. In this therapeutic process, you’ll explore what lies beneath your perfectionism—whether it’s a fear of failure, a need for validation, or a fear of judgment. By identifying and processing these emotions, EFT helps you heal the underlying causes of perfectionism.

Through EFT, you’ll also learn to respond to your emotions with self-compassion. Many perfectionists are their own harshest critics, constantly pointing out flaws and never giving themselves credit for their efforts. EFT fosters a more compassionate relationship with yourself, teaching you to recognize that it’s okay to be imperfect and to treat yourself with kindness, even when you don’t meet your high standards.

Another valuable tool in therapy for perfectionism is mindfulness. Mindfulness teaches you to focus on the present moment without judgment, helping you break free from the cycle of overthinking and worrying about future mistakes. When you practice mindfulness, you learn to accept things as they are, including your own imperfections. This can be incredibly freeing because it allows you to stop striving for perfection and instead focus on being present, doing your best, and letting go of the need to control every outcome.