03/18/2026
Perfectionism often looks like high standards.
But clinically, it functions more like an anxiety management strategy.
If everything is done “perfectly,” there’s less risk of criticism, mistakes, or letting someone down.
The problem is—this only works in the short term.
Over time, perfectionism actually reinforces anxiety, because it teaches your brain that anything less than perfect isn’t safe.
So the pressure increases. Not decreases.
Awareness is the first step—change comes next.
I work with and support my patients to change these patterns in therapy.
Does this resonate with you? Let me know what you think in the comments.
