Many clients come to see me because they feel anxious or their mood is low. The work of counselling is to explore the underlying issues so that the client increases awareness of changes which could be made.

Clients with perfectionist tendencies may say things like:

I’m not good enough

I am always on the go

Other people don’t have the same high standards that I do

I like to do things properly

I am working far too many hours

Other people tell me to relax but how can I when I could improve on what I’ve done

What is perfectionism?

The following may indicate perfectionism:

• the irrational belief that you must be perfect
• the belief that you must not make a mistake
• a behaviour learnt in childhood
• a belief that things ‘should be’ a certain way

So are you a perfectionist?

Why not take a look at the following and find out:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/humanbody/mind/surveys/perfectionism/

Impact of Perfectionism

The following may be associated with perfectionism:

• Difficult to enjoy life
• Procrastination
• Obsessive compulsive behaviours
• Eating problems
• Social anxiety
• Workaholism
• Low productivity
• Self harm

Can Counselling Help?

Counselling provides you with a safe and confidential space to discuss and explore your worries and concerns without being judged. Your counsellor will try to understand you and will offer you both support and challenge by, for example, reflecting how you may be contributing to your own difficulties. When we understand why we do things we can begin to recognise that we have choices and can make changes in our lives.

Copyright Christine Bonsmann. All rights reserved.