Perfectionism is often associated with high standards and achievement.
But there’s so much more to it.
The dark side of perfectionism is a vicious cycle of unhelpful behaviors that can deteriorate mental health, strain relationships, and even jeopardize a person’s employment.
In addition, the underlying fears and avoidance that drive perfectionistic behavior can hamper therapeutic progress if unaccounted for in treatment.
In this interview, Jennifer Kemp, MPsych, joins New Harbinger Publications’ podcast, Evidence-Based, to discuss perfectionism — including common misconceptions, the impact of perfectionism on relationships, the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) in treating perfectionism, and more.
We hope you enjoy it!
For a deeper dive into the topic and targeted therapeutic tools for helping perfectionistic clients break the vicious cycle, check out Unpacking Perfectionism.
This 8 CE hour live online course is taught by Jennifer Kemp and begins February 15. It is designed to help therapists understand and address perfectionistic behaviors using ACT and self-compassion strategies.
Across 4 skills-based sessions, you’ll learn how to conduct a functional analysis of perfectionistic behavior, how unhelpful patterns develop, and why people persist with perfectionistic behavior patterns despite long-term negative consequences.
Click here to find out more and sign up for Unpacking Perfectionism
Jennifer Kemp is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Adelaide, South Australia. She works with adults and adolescents on issues such as perfectionism, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), eating disorders, and chronic illness. Kemp uses ACT to help people notice their experiences, make conscious choices “in the moment,” and take action toward a fulfilling life.
Want more great interviews with experts? Evidence-Based is the official podcast of New Harbinger Publications—an independent, employee-owned publisher of books on psychology and self-help. In each episode, the hosts join leading mental health experts to explore the latest psychological interventions, as well as topics related to mental health and personal growth. Find more episodes here.