Clients Struggling With Perfectionism

Perfectionism, or the tendency to demand or require perfection for oneself or others can be seen as an attempt to gain acceptance and avoid rejection or abandonment. Simultaneously, however, perfectionism can interfere with the establishment and maintenance of interpersonal connections and close relationships.

Although perfectionism develops in a relational context, the impact it has on other behaviors can result in the fear of being criticized or judged. Effective therapists must acknowledge these nuances and work with the client to explore components of the client's perfectionism, while effecting changes so that the client can meet his or her own needs without feeling the need to be perfect.

In this video program, Dr. Paul L. Hewitt demonstrates his approach to helping clients who struggle with perfectionism, an integration of psychodynamic psychotherapy and interpersonal theory framework that emphasizes the importance of clinical formulation and the establishment of an effective therapeutic relationship.