Perfectionism Is a Trauma Response

Perfectionism often wears a disguise of ambition or high standards—but beneath it is fear. The fear of failure, rejection, or not being enough. Many perfectionists learned early that their value came from performance, not presence.

This isn’t just about working hard—it’s about a deep belief that mistakes are unacceptable, that rest is indulgent, and that your worth is always on the line.

In therapy, we uncover where these beliefs began. Often, perfectionism is rooted in childhood trauma, unpredictable environments, or conditional love. If perfection was your shield, therapy helps you gently set it down.

We explore what it’s like to be “good enough.” We practice self-compassion, risk-taking, and rest. You’ll learn to measure progress by presence, not perfection.

Healing perfectionism doesn’t mean lowering your standards—it means freeing yourself from the tyranny of never feeling like you’re enough.