Understanding and Overcoming Perfectionism

Perfectionism can often be misunderstood. While striving for excellence is typically encouraged, perfectionism takes this drive to an extreme; resulting in chronic stress, burnout, self-criticism, and an overwhelming fear of failure. At Your Psychologist in Elsternwick, we work with people to help them understand the roots of perfectionism and develop more flexible, balanced ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving.

What is Perfectionism?

Perfectionism is more than just wanting to do well. It often involves setting unrealistically high standards, being highly critical of oneself, and struggling to accept anything perceived as a mistake or flaw. It can affect your work, relationships, and overall wellbeing. Many perfectionists live with a constant sense of not being “good enough”, despite outward appearances of success. They may avoid taking on new challenges for fear of not doing them perfectly, or spend excessive time and energy trying to meet unattainable standards.

Common Signs of Perfectionism

Perfectionism can present in a number of ways, including:

• Chronic self-criticism or feelings of inadequacy
• Procrastination driven by fear of not doing something “perfectly”
• Difficulty accepting feedback or mistakes
• A strong need for control and certainty
• Black-and-white thinking (e.g. “If it’s not perfect, it’s a failure”)
• Exhaustion, anxiety, or burnout from overworking

It’s not uncommon for perfectionism to coexist with other issues such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, or obsessive-compulsive tendencies. Understanding how perfectionism operates is the first step toward meaningful change.

How Schema Therapy Can Help

At Your Psychologist, we offer evidence-based perfectionism therapy in Elsternwick, with a focus on longer-term schema therapy. This approach explores the deeper patterns – known as schemas – that were often formed in childhood and continue to influence our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours today. For those struggling with perfectionism, common schemas may include unrelenting standards, defectiveness/shame, or approval-seeking. Through schema therapy, you’ll learn to recognise these patterns, understand their origins, and begin to shift toward more self-compassionate ways of living.

Tailored Perfectionism Treatment in Elsternwick

Our approach to perfectionism counselling in Elsternwick goes beyond surface-level strategies. While we do provide practical tools for managing stress and reducing overthinking, we also work with you to address the underlying emotional needs that perfectionism is trying to meet – such as the need for love, validation, or a sense of control. Treatment may include:

• Identifying and challenging perfectionistic beliefs
• Reducing avoidance and procrastination behaviours
• Building tolerance for uncertainty and imperfection
• Enhancing self-worth that isn’t based solely on achievement
• Reconnecting with healthy values, relationships, and goals

Whether you’re a high-achieving student, a busy professional, or simply someone exhausted by their inner critic, perfectionism treatment at Your Psychologist can help you reclaim a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Why Choose Your Psychologist?

Franco Greco brings over two decades of experience as a perfectionism psychologist in Elsternwick, combining schema therapy with cognitive behavioural techniques, ACT, and mindfulness-based strategies. His warm, collaborative style offers a supportive space to explore both the practical and emotional aspects of perfectionism. Franco is particularly skilled at helping clients identify longstanding patterns and make deep, sustainable changes – not just “cope” with perfectionism, but transform the ways it shows up in their lives.

Start your journey towards self-compassion

Perfectionism doesn’t have to define your life – with the right therapeutic support, it’s possible to let go of rigid standards, embrace imperfection, and connect more authentically with yourself and others. If you’re ready to begin your journey with perfectionism therapy in Elsternwick, get in touch with Your Psychologist today. Appointments are available both in-person and via telehealth, with flexible scheduling to suit your needs.