High standards aren't inherently a problem. They become one when achievement determines how you feel about yourself, mistakes feel intolerable, rest creates guilt, or accomplishing one goal simply creates pressure to reach the next.

Perfectionism can also be surprisingly avoidant. The pressure to do something exceptionally well can make it harder to start, finish, make decisions, take risks, or tolerate situations where success isn't guaranteed. We work with students, professionals, athletes, and other high-achieving clients experiencing perfectionism, performance anxiety, imposter feelings, people-pleasing, chronic stress, and burnout.

Using approaches such as CBT, ACT, and DBT, we help clients examine the rules and patterns driving the pressure, become more flexible in how they respond to mistakes and uncertainty, and build a sense of self that isn't entirely dependent on performance. We help clients pursue their goals without feeling like they have to be perfect to feel good about themselves.