Perfectionism Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP)

Perfectionism

Perfectionism is considered as a personality trait among many mental health practitioners.  Perfectionists tend to view projects or tasks that are not perfect done, as unworthy. Unless they know that they can do something perfectly, they are unlikely to take it on. They tend not to care much about the learning process while completing a task, but rather about the end project, which, for them, is the most important aspect of any project they undertake.

Procrastination is a great obstacle with people who are perfectionists. They usually don't want to start a task until they are sure that they can do it perfectly. It's common for them to spend an enormous amount of time on a project, making sure that it is done to perfection. Yet, perfectionism prevents these people from appreciating a job well done. Instead, they don't believe that anything they do is good enough and they constantly compare their results with that of other people. They become fixated on achieving perfection.

There is a correlation between perfectionism and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and some perfectionists also have OCD.  However, not all people with OCD are perfectionists. While most people with an ambition to succeed and therefore strive to excel in their pursuits, they are not necessarily perfectionists.

Therapy can be very helpful in treating perfectionism. Therapy will help the individual to reframe their thinking to change the end goal of his or her undertakings. A therapist may often help perfectionists recognize that some of the most successful people are not perfectionists at all.

If you are looking for a counsellor or psychologist who offers therapies to address your perfectionism or OCD issues, you may want to search the directory to find a professional whose approach will suit you best.

Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP)

The goal of this approach is to help clients overcome resistance to experiencing their true feelings that are too frightening and/or painful.

Note: You may narrow your search by selecting more than one filter below.

Shannon Tully

M.Sc., RCC
    • Online booking
Welcome. I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a background in Speech-Language Pathology. I offer sessions both in Vancouver and on Bowen Island. As a counsellor, I aim to provide an ethical and compassionate... Read more

Erica Steward

M.A., RCC
    • Video on profile
    • Online booking
With a deep-rooted belief in the capacity for healing, personal growth, and transformation, I am honoured to offer my support on your unique journey. People often reach out to me when they feel stuck, struggle with... Read more

Fernanda Borja

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
I recognize the challenges and changes that life presents. This is why, through counselling, I seek to help others with empathy and awareness. I believe in everyone’s power to self-transform positively and I... Read more

Dave Vass

M.Couns., RCC
    • Video on profile
    • Online booking
I have specialized training in the treatment of Type-C Personalities (Conscientious/Competent/Self-Controlled). Who, or what is Type C ?? People tend to be quite familiar with Type A and Type B personalities. But... Read more

Kara Bezuko

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
I work with people seeking a gentler path to happiness and well-being. You may be grasped by anxiety, lost in the heavy darkness of depression, or caught in a turmoil of confusion and distraction. You might find... Read more

Kala McKenzie

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Are you tired of feeling exhausted by worry, or paralyzed by a harsh inner-critic? Perhaps you have noticed that your self-esteem is unhealthy - you either second-guess yourself, not really believing the nice things... Read more

Claire DeBoer

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Do you feel like you and your partner can't communicate without conflict? Are you stuck in a cycle where you try to connect and they shut down and pull away? These patterns are normal in long-term... Read more

Alistair Gordon

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
As a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Director of Wellspring Counselling Inc., as well as an Adjunct Professor of Counselling Psychology at the University of British Columbia, my mission is to help you navigate the... Read more

Rochelle Chapman

M.A., RCC
    • Video on profile
Counselling can be a way to grow while facing difficult circumstances. It can also be about building resources or heading in a new direction. In each case, you have the opportunity to become more yourself. Whatever... Read more

Avneer Dhillon

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
I believe we are constantly changing, and each of us are capable of directing that change toward becoming the person we want to be. How we arrive there, of course, is the difficult part. i’m here to walk alongside... Read more

Thomas Wiens

Ph.D., R.Psych
    • Video on profile
    • Online booking
What if your psychologist could help you overcome challenges AND get to that next level? Dr. Wiens assists professionals to manage the demands of their career and personal life so that they can perform at their best... Read more

Emily Coughlin

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Hi - I’m Emily (she/her), a Registered Clinical Counsellor in BC. I provide counselling for individuals with a focus on infertility, perinatal mental health, parenting, relationships, and meaning making. Many of... Read more

Elisa-Maria Chong

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
Our lives each contain moments of great joy and sorrow, pain and pleasure, opportunity, and obstacle. At the center of these experiences is our innate search for connection. We need relationships, they are precious and... Read more

Andrew Herfst

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
*I provide an Online / Telephone counselling option* I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors and a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) with the Canadian... Read more

Kari-Ann Thor

M.Ed., RCC
A Bit About Käri-Ann: I have had a part-time private counselling practice since 2003 and come from a history of Outdoor Education as my first career, followed by over 20 years working in the social service sector... Read more

Ellahae Keshmiri

M.A., RCC
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with over 14 years of experience in the field of mental health and therapy.  I currently offer in person and virtual sessions in Vancouver (Broadway and Cambie area... Read more

Aleesa Sutton

M.A., RCC
    • Video on profile
    • Blog on profile
    • Online booking
Hi, I’m Aleesa. I provide counselling for individuals and couples who want to understand themselves better and improve their relationships. If you’re unhappy with your life; unsure about where you’re... Read more

Vicki McCabe

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
Are you stressed at work and can’t sleep at night? Feeling worried, stuck and overwhelmed? I understand that these experiences can lead to feelings of loss – loss of control, loss of freedom, and loss of... Read more

Erika Riedlinger

M.C., RCC
    • Online booking
Hello and welcome. My name is Erika (she/her), and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor serving individuals (ages 12+) online and in-person on the Sunshine Coast, BC. Areas of Practice: Some of the reasons people... Read more

Susan Brook

Ph.D., RCC
You may be in pain and seeking healing, or simply have a sense that life could be better. You probably look to the world as though you are successful and coping well, but you don't feel like that inside. In holding... Read more

Amrita Grewal

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Everyday life has become increasingly complex because we are continually presented with endless possibilities of how things ‘could be' or ‘should be.’ The juggle is real and can lead to... Read more

Tabasom Eblaghie

M.A., RCC
Tabasom Eblaghie has her Masters in Counselling Psychology and is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. She has received her advanced training in Eye Movement Desensitization... Read more

Heidi Gray

M.A., RCC
    • In-Person Sessions
    • Video on profile
Do you have trouble slowing down even when you don't have to be on? Is anxiety wreaking havoc on your relationships and your health? Does it feel like an alarm system is constantly going off in your mind and body? I... Read more

Elizabeth Koch

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
I work with people experiencing stubborn problems. If you're struggling to find a sense of well-being in your life, you may feel chronically unwell, and disconnected from your core sense of self. You might find... Read more

Emma Wilson

M.S.W., RCC
    • Online booking
It is in the darkest times that we can discover incredible strength within ourselves. I hold a passion for helping clients navigate challenges in their life, while supporting a sense of safety in the therapy environment... Read more

Norma Hoeppner

M.S.W., RSW
In private practice since 2007, Norma has been a dynamic clinical therapist across diverse health settings since 1989. Currently she practices with Clear Counselling Inc. in Vancouver, as well as an office through... Read more

Maureen Lee

Ph.D., RCC
Dr. Maureen Lee is a Registered Clinical Counsellor who sees clients in North Vancouver. She practices a client-centred approach to therapy which means you, the client, decide the outcome, goals and direction... Read more

Danielle Bowersock

M.A., RCC
    • Blog on profile
As a Registered Clinical Counsellor, I can help if you are stressed, anxious or depressed. At their extreme, anxiety and depression can be crippling, making you feel hopeless. Life becomes a struggle and your... Read more

Mehran Seyed Emami

M.A., RCC
I am a BC Registered Clinical Counsellor (No. 18736) and Canadian Certified Counsellor (No. 10007447). I'm also a Certified Practitioner of Compassionate Inquiry (a model developed by Dr. Gabor Maté), and... Read more

Jamie Johnson

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
As a man, therapy might not be your preferred use of time, yet a growing part of you is curious about what could be. Throughout your life, you’ve felt minimized and closed off from your potential. Maybe you’... Read more