Perfectionism Therapy in Vancouver
Counselling for Perfectionism
When perfectionism takes over, life can feel like a constant performance. You might push yourself to get everything just right—yet still feel like you’re falling short. The pressure is relentless, and even small mistakes can feel like failure. Maybe others see you as capable or driven, but inside you’re tired, anxious, or afraid of letting people down.
You don’t have to keep holding it all together on your own. Therapy can help you step out of the pressure and start showing up in your life in a way that feels more genuine—and more sustainable.
Is your inner critic always raising the bar?
Perfectionism isn’t just about being organized or having high standards—it’s about tying your self-worth to performance, success, or how others perceive you. Over time, it can lead to stress, burnout, and a constant sense that you’re not doing (or being) enough.
Here are some signs perfectionism may be affecting your wellbeing:
- Fear of failure or making mistakes
- Procrastinating out of fear it won’t be “good enough”
- Harsh self-criticism, even after small wins
- Constantly comparing yourself to others
- Struggling to delegate or trust others’ work
- Feeling like rest needs to be “earned”
- Difficulty enjoying accomplishments
- Anxiety, shame, or burnout from relentless pressure
How therapy can help with perfectionism
Therapy can help you untangle your self-worth from achievement and begin relating to yourself in a more compassionate, sustainable way. It’s not about lowering your standards—it’s about letting go of the fear and rigidity that make everything feel like it has to be perfect in order to be okay.
Your ARC therapist will help you:
- Understand the roots and functions of your perfectionism
- Identify thought patterns that fuel pressure and self-doubt
- Build self-compassion and challenge your inner critic
- Learn to tolerate imperfection and uncertainty
- Reconnect with values outside of achievement
- Create a more balanced, fulfilling relationship with yourself and your goals
Let’s work through perfectionism together
You don’t have to keep pushing, overworking, or doubting yourself just to feel worthy. At ARC, our experienced therapists can help you release unrealistic standards, reclaim your time and energy, and reconnect with your authentic self.
Therapy isn’t about “lowering the bar.” It’s about learning to thrive with more ease, more flexibility, and a stronger relationship with yourself. Reach out today and take the first step.
Meet Our Vancouver Therapists
Tianna Bobariu
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
Amenda Kumar
Registered Social Worker (RSW)
Kristen Rattray
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
Kiana Maeda
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
Jack Wong
Registered Social Worker (RSW)
Danielle Simpson
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
Elise Millett
Registered Social Worker (RSW)
Lilian Wang
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
Getting The Help You Need is Easy
Reach Out
Fill out our easy contact form. All we need is your basic info, and a few words about what brings you to therapy.
Free Consultation
We’ll reach out to schedule your complimentary consultation. We’ll discuss your goals, questions, and make sure we’re the right fit.
Start Therapy
Feeling ready? We’ll book your first session and create a personalized plan to help you live the life you deserve.
What Perfectionism Therapy Looks Like
Creating Safety and Understanding
We start by exploring your perfectionism with curiosity, not criticism. Together, we’ll look at how these patterns formed—often as a way to feel safe, accepted, or in control—and what they’re costing you now.
Noticing Patterns & Triggers
You’ll learn to recognize the situations and thoughts that activate perfectionism—whether that’s procrastination, overworking, self-doubt, or fear of judgment. Naming these patterns is a powerful first step.
Working with the Inner Critic
Instead of trying to “silence” your inner critic, we’ll understand what it’s trying to protect you from. From there, you’ll practice responding with more self-awareness, encouragement, and flexibility.
Building Emotional Tolerance
Perfectionism often avoids vulnerability—mistakes, uncertainty, “not being enough.” We’ll gently expand your capacity to tolerate these emotions without shutting down or pushing harder.
Practicing Boundaries & Self-Compassion
You'll learn how to set healthy limits—with yourself and others—so your worth isn’t defined by productivity or achievement. We’ll help you develop compassion-based motivation, not pressure-based motivation.
Redefining Success
As therapy progresses, we’ll explore what truly matters to you beyond perfection—like meaning, connection, creativity, or rest. You’ll begin to build a version of success that feels energizing, not exhausting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if therapy can actually help with perfectionism?
Perfectionism isn’t just a personality trait—it’s often a coping strategy rooted in fear, shame, or early messages that your worth depends on achievement. Therapy can help you understand where it comes from, loosen its grip on your life, and build healthier, more compassionate ways of relating to yourself. Many clients notice less stress, greater self-trust, and a renewed sense of freedom as they begin to soften perfectionistic patterns.
What approaches do you use for perfectionism?
We draw from evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). These approaches help us address the thoughts, emotions, and behaviours that fuel perfectionism—while building emotional resilience, self-awareness, and flexibility. Your therapist will tailor the process to fit your needs, values, and pace.
Will I have to give up my high standards?
Not at all. Therapy isn’t about lowering your standards—it’s about helping you hold them in a way that doesn’t harm your wellbeing. Many perfectionists care deeply about doing things well. The goal is to maintain that drive while reducing the harsh self-criticism, fear of failure, or rigid “all-or-nothing” thinking that makes it feel like you’re never enough.
How long will therapy take?
It depends on your goals and what’s beneath the perfectionism. Some people begin to notice shifts in their inner critic, habits, or self-compassion within the first few sessions. For deeper change—especially when perfectionism is linked to trauma or longstanding beliefs—therapy may unfold over months. There’s no pressure or timeline. We’ll go at a pace that feels right for you.
I’m afraid that if I give up my perfectionism, I’ll perform worse at work or school.
That’s a valid concern—and a common one. Many people worry that without perfectionism, they’ll lose their edge. But in practice, most clients find that performance actually improves as the fear and pressure begin to lift. With therapy, your effort becomes more sustainable, your confidence grows, and you gain energy and clarity that perfectionism may have been draining.
What if I’ve struggled with perfectionism for years?
You’re not alone. Perfectionism can become deeply ingrained over time, especially if it helped you cope or succeed in certain environments, and was reinforced by the people around you. But no matter how long it’s been a part of your life, change is absolutely possible. Therapy offers a safe space to explore the roots of these patterns and start building new ones—ones that support your growth instead of exhausting you.
Is therapy covered by insurance?
Yes. Most extended health plans cover counselling with a Registered Clinical Counsellor. After each session, we’ll provide a receipt you can submit to your insurance provider. Many clients are reimbursed within just a few business days.
What if I feel nervous about starting therapy?
That’s completely normal—especially if you’re used to handling things on your own or feeling pressure to “do it right.” Starting therapy isn’t about having it all figured out—it’s about giving yourself space to explore, reflect, and grow. We offer a free 30-minute consultation so you can meet your therapist, ask questions, and see if it feels like a good fit. There’s no pressure. We’ll take it one step at a time, together.
A Message of Support from Our Director
Hi, I’m Kelsey, the Clinical Director here at ARC. I want to start by saying something that doesn’t get said enough – it’s okay to need support.
If you’re reading this, you might be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply not yourself. At ARC, we understand how deeply personal it is to reach out for help. That’s why we’re so intentional about the care we offer. Every therapist on our team is here because they lead with heart, they know their stuff, and they truly care about helping people feel better.
We also know that feeling safe in therapy means feeling seen and respected. That’s why we’re committed to creating an inclusive space – one that honours your identity, your culture, and your lived experience.
My role is to make sure your experience here is thoughtful, safe, and meaningful – from your very first point of contact to the support you receive in therapy. If you’re unsure about where to start, I encourage you to reach out for a free consultation. I’ll personally take the time to read your request and match you with one of the therapists on our team.
You’ve already taken the first step by being here. When you’re feeling ready, take the next step by reaching out – and we’ll walk the rest of the way together.
Take the next step towards feeling better today
Location
470 Granville St, #922
Vancouver, BC, V6C 1V5
Our Hours
Mon – Fri: 09:00 – 21:30
Sat – Sun: 09:00 – 20:30