It’s Time to Quiet that Inner Critic

Therapy For Critical Perfectionist Women

Many of us were praised by adults for our best behavior and performance as children. By comparing us to relatives and friends, they reinforced the idea that we could always do more. When we were compared to them, it made us feel like we weren't doing enough. Often, we are evaluated based on our results at work, and sometimes we only receive feedback when we make mistakes.

There is a widespread belief that letting go of perfectionism will result in lower standards, mediocrity, and failure to achieve our goals. We may experience rejection if we stop pleasing others and put others' needs above our own.

As soon as you accept that you don't have to prove yourself to others, you'll discover freedom and peace. Perfectionism counseling will help you reevaluate your priorities and find a healthy balance without sacrificing self-worth.

woman doing situps. Excessive exercise might indicate a perfectionist quality.

It may be time to seek Therapy for Perfectionists if you notice any of the following:

  • Engage in self-criticism

  • Your worry about how others perceive you

  • You may procrastinate because you are afraid of failure or judgment

  • Your expectations of yourself (or others) are preventing you from feeling fulfilled or happy

  • You have a hard time relaxing or engaging in activities that aren’t “productive”

  • Fear of failure makes it difficult to make decisions for yourself

  • You feel like you’re doing everything right only to stay stuck in the same place

  • It’s hard to get started or release a project.

  • You compare your life to others.

woman looking defeated with hands covering face

Life doesn’t have to feel this way.

  • Therapy and changing our beliefs, behavior, and how we think about ourselves can raise our self-esteem.

  • With low self-esteem, we don’t value our own opinions, needs, and ideas as much as those of other people. We’re self-critical and focus on our perceived weaknesses and flaws, yet ignore or dismiss our strengths, skill, and success. We negatively compare ourselves to others who we think are more attractive, capable or successful. We have difficulty accepting negative feedback and may be risk-averse due to our fear of failing.


  • Monitor your negative self-talk
    Learn mindfulness meditation
    Take an assertiveness class
    Take risks to develop your skills and improve your performance
    Make gratitude lists

Frequently asked questions about self-esteem therapy:

women looking out the window who looks to be stressed

Therapy for self-esteem can help you…

Showing kindness toward oneself.

Forgiving one’s faults or mistakes, especially in times of failure or pain.

Recognizing no human is perfect.

Attributing one’s mistakes to the human condition rather than failures unique to oneself.

Building awareness of emotions.

Being mindful of painful thoughts and feelings without letting them consume oneself.