Anxiety counseling for perfectionism with Empower Counseling: Part II.
Scientists have found that there is a small amount of perfectionism that is passed from generation to generation. However, the biggest differences in perfectionism seen across individuals can be attributed to nurture- i.e. the family environments and the social environment in which we are brought up in.
Interestingly enough, no studies have shown a difference in prevalence of perfections between men and women.
Self-oriented perfectionism is higher in our country than in others. The finding of this research, suggests that our society’s emphasis on competition (and therefore results) and social comparisons is not helpful to young people.
At Empower Counseling, we have seen many college age clients from different colleges and universities. I can absolutely confirm that perfectionism is driving a great deal of the anxiety present in young people. About 1 in 5 people in the Unsited States age 18 and older struggle with anxiety. One in three adolescents between 13 and 18 struggle with anxiety. We are definitely not going in the right direction.
The good news is that I have found Acceptance Commitment Therapy to be an effective treatment for anxiety driven by perfectionism.
Through ACT, we have students and adults become aware of the comparisons they make and the unhelpful and critical thoughts that come with the comparisons. We use mindfulness exercises to separate from these thoughts. There are several other methods and tools we use to move away from comparing to others and perfectionism, and toward focusing on the lives our clients want and the actions it will take to achieve those lives.
Perfectionism is one the rise. Our knowledgeable and compassionate counselors at Empower Counseling know how to identify perfectionism, and how to address it for stronger mental wellbeing.
Anxiety Counseling for Perfectionism with Empower Counseling:
Do you need it?
Are you a perfectionist? Is someone you love or care about a perfectionist?
Here are some questions to ask yourself or your loved one, if you are not sure:
Do you worry about judgment of others?
Focus on what you see as your flaws?
Consistently disappointed in others?
Feel like always have to be productive?
Have difficulty relaxing?
Do you tend to set and hold unrealistic standards for yourself?
Do you tend to engage in all or nothing thinking- like something is a total success or total failure?
Do you focus on your flaws or past failures, rather than your strengths?
Do you have a narrow definition of success and a broad definition of failure?
When you evaluate your own performance does it usually lead to self-criticism and may lead to self-punishment?
When you see you have failed at something, do you see yourself as a failure?
If you or a loved one struggles with perfectionism, reach out to Empower today.
Kathryn, Adam, and Kristine are all ACT trained therapists, specializing in anxiety therapy and depression counseling for teens, college students, young adults, and professionals. Whether you attend Samford University, Birmingham-Southern College, the University of Alabama, or Auburn University, we can help you move away from perfectionism and toward a more enjoyable life. Call Empower at 205-730-6570.