Perfectionism is often mistaken for a virtue — but when it becomes rigid, driven by fear of failure, and causes significant distress, it is one of the most pervasive and impairing psychological patterns a person can carry.
Our registered psychologists in Melbourne provide evidence-based treatment for perfectionism across four clinic locations and via Telehealth.
WorkCover, NDIS or TAC approved? YOU PAY NOTHING.
If your claim has been approved, we bill your funder directly. Zero out-of-pocket cost — no gap, no upfront payment, nothing.
Unhealthy perfectionism is characterised by setting excessively high standards, evaluating self-worth primarily in terms of achievement and productivity, and reacting to perceived failure with intense self-criticism (Shafran et al., 2010). It is distinct from healthy high standards — the difference being that healthy striving is flexible and motivating, while perfectionism is rigid, fear-driven, and never satisfied.
Perfectionism commonly underlies:
Perfectionism may be affecting your life when you notice:
Perfectionism is a transdiagnostic maintaining factor across anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and OCD — and is associated with significantly reduced wellbeing and increased psychopathology (Shafran et al., 2010).
Perfectionism is maintained by a cycle: high standards produce fear of failure, which produces avoidance, overworking, or checking behaviours that provide temporary relief but confirm the standard’s importance and prevent disconfirmation of the underlying beliefs (Shafran et al., 2010). Self-worth tied to achievement means any perceived failure is experienced as a total personal failure.
Effective treatment interrupts this cycle by:
CBT for perfectionism produces significant improvements in perfectionism, anxiety, depression, and quality of life (Riley & Shafran, 2005).
Our psychologists use the most effective evidence-based approaches:
The most extensively validated approach for perfectionism (Shafran et al., 2010). CBT-P targets the over-evaluation of achievement, the behavioural responses (checking, procrastination, overworking), and the self-critical reactions to perceived failure. Produces significant and lasting reductions in perfectionism and associated mental health difficulties.
Perfectionism is maintained by a harsh, self-critical inner voice. CFT builds the self-compassion system as a healthier, more effective alternative — one that motivates without punishment and supports without conditional approval (Gilbert, 2010).
Helps clients defuse from perfectionist rules and standards — observing them as thoughts rather than facts — and reconnect with intrinsic values beyond performance and achievement (Hayes et al., 2012).
For perfectionism rooted in early experiences of conditional approval — ‘you are only lovable/valued when you achieve’ — Schema Therapy addresses the underlying Unrelenting Standards and Failure schemas (Young et al., 2003).
Your psychologist will tailor treatment to your specific perfectionism pattern — its triggers, domains, and underlying beliefs.
Your first appointment explores your perfectionism — where it shows up, its history, and its cost to your wellbeing and relationships.
Many perfectionists find it hard to seek help — worried they won’t do therapy ‘perfectly’. We work with this pattern directly and with humour and warmth.
Perfectionism treatment typically involves 10–20 sessions. The work is specific, structured, and builds measurable skills.
We offer appointments in-clinic at our Mooroolbark, Wheelers Hill, Reservoir, and Melbourne CBD locations, as well as Telehealth sessions from anywhere in Australia.
WorkCover, NDIS or TAC approved? YOU PAY NOTHING.
If your claim has been approved, we bill your funder directly. Zero out-of-pocket cost — no gap, no upfront payment, nothing.
Isn’t perfectionism just having high standards?
Healthy high standards are flexible, intrinsically motivated, and do not depend on achievement for self-worth. Perfectionism is rigid, fear-driven, and evaluates the whole self based on performance outcomes. The difference is in the relationship to the standard, not the standard itself.
Can I access Medicare rebates for perfectionism treatment?
Yes. Perfectionism is typically addressed within the context of anxiety, depression, eating disorders, or another presenting condition covered by a Mental Health Care Plan.
I’m very high-achieving. Does that mean I’m not really suffering?
No. Many perfectionists are high-achieving precisely because the anxiety drives constant effort. The cost — in exhaustion, anxiety, burnout, and never feeling good enough — is real regardless of external performance.
Good enough — done well — beats perfect never achieved. Our team can help you find that balance.
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Gilbert, P. (2010). The compassionate mind: A new approach to life’s challenges. Constable & Robinson.
Hayes, S. C., Strosahl, K. D., & Wilson, K. G. (2012). Acceptance and commitment therapy: The process and practice of mindful change (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
Riley, C., & Shafran, R. (2005). Clinical perfectionism: A preliminary qualitative analysis. Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 33(3), 369–374. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1352465804002157
Shafran, R., Cooper, Z., & Fairburn, C. G. (2010). Overcoming perfectionism: A self-help guide using cognitive behavioural techniques. Constable & Robinson.
Young, J. E., Klosko, J. S., & Weishaar, M. E. (2003). Schema therapy: A practitioner’s guide. Guilford Press.
