Perfectionism Psychodynamic Therapy

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.

Psychodynamic Therapy

Psychodynamic Therapy can help clients to become aware of feelings of vulnerability that have been repressed from their conscious awareness. This approach is based on the theory that every person has an unconscious which stores vulnerable and painful emotions that are too deep to handle on a conscious level.

Psychodynamic Therapy addresses the defense mechanisms that  have been developed. Defense mechanisms can sometimes do more harm than good. By resolving vulnerabilities such as repression and denial, painful emotions and memories can be processed in order for the defense mechanisms to be resolved, or reduced.

Therapists use a range of core principles in Psychodynamic Therapy, based on the client's needs. It will help the client to gain perspective while recognizing behaviours, actions, responses and character traits that can be transformed.

If you are looking for a therapist who offers Psychodynamic Therapy, please browse our list of practitioners below..

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

Bradley Murray

Ph.D., RCC
    • Online booking
Dr. Murray is a psychoanalyst and Registered Clinical Counsellor based in North Vancouver who has been in private practice for 11 years. He offers consultations and therapy for individuals living on the North Shore and... Read more

Rebecca Berman

B.S.W., RSW
Trauma impacts how we see the world, navigate through our experiences and connect in our relationships.  The lives we live are built upon the lessons we learn in our families, cultures, peer groups, and in the... Read more

Aaron Johnstone

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
I tend to work with young adults who, in one way or another, are struggling to change. They often have the frustrating sense that they're getting in their own way, but aren't entirely sure how, why, or what... 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

David Holmes

M.A., RCC
David provides Individual and Couples Counselling. He is an Adlerian Psychotherapist, Registered Clinical Counsellor, and a Canadian Certified Counsellor at Clear Counselling private practice in downtown Vancouver.... Read more
    • Online booking
Hi I’m Laurie, and I understand how lonely it can be to feel that there are things you can’t talk about with anyone in your life. I have experience working with folks who have dual diagnoses of mental health... 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

Rachel Braund

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS. NO REFERRAL NECESSARY.  Do you feel like you are crumbling on the inside, trying to hold it all together; meanwhile you feel tense or just "off"? Did you dig deep to move past a... 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

Adrienne Wang

Ph.D., R.Psych
We all have the potential to make meaningful changes to lead the lives we desire.  I specialize in helping adults with various concerns such as obsessions and/or compulsions, chronic worrying, social anxiety,... Read more

Sarah Erwin

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Are you ambitious and driven, but doubting every step that you take? Are you struggling to feel worthy and fulfilled? It might not feel like it, but you're not alone. We live in a culture of "hustle and grind... Read more

Leona Westra

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
Do you find your life limited by trauma and chronic pain and want to get more out of your life? Are you tired of the pain and suffering and are looking for a way to gain some control over your life? If the following... Read more

Amanda Hamm

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
You're ready to stop feeling so overwhelmed and alone.  Sometimes your emotions feel like they take over, and you find yourself reacting to life in ways that just don't feel like you. Anxiety is running... Read more

Judith Barnard

M.S.W., RSW
Greetings! My name is Judith. I have over twenty years of experience helping women find relief from the debilitating effects of panic, anxiety and depression. You may have anxiety if: your stomach constantly... Read more

Benjamin George

M.Sc., RCC
    • Online booking
I believe that we're all scared little kids in adult bodies. And that we all are pursuing safety, not happiness. Growing up, most of us never experienced emotional safety and we've been in survival mode ever... Read more

Deborrah Dunne

Ph.D., RCC
The decision to go for counselling often arises in the face of crisis and overwhelm. It can also come about because we are tired of dragging our issues along with us through days, weeks, months and even years. My goal... Read more

Cookie Bain

M.C., RCC
What I most love in this world is to see people thriving as they live their most authentic life. I understand that may of us us have grown up in a way hasn't supported us to be our authentic self.... Read more

Karen Goble

M.A., RCC
I’m a psychotherapist (MA, RCC) who offers therapy with heart. My private practice is a safe, nurturing space for acceptance and growth. I’m committed to helping my clients move courageously beyond... Read more

Brenda Dineen

M.Ed., RCC
    • Article(s) on profile
Brenda is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with an office conveniently located in South Vancouver. Brenda has a rich background of professional experience and personal growth. She has worked in the public and private... Read more

Andrew Lee

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
I am Andrew Lee and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC # 2550). I am dedicated to providing personalized therapy to clients seeking healing, treatment, support, and guidance for various mental health... 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

Jordana Glotman

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
Welcome! My name is Jordana. I am here to help you navigate the challenges that prompted you to seek counseling. I am passionate about working with clients with Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Burnout... Read more

Samantha Lee

M.Ed., RCC
Hey there, I’m Sam! I provide therapy from a trauma-informed, client centered perspective that is anti-oppressive. My style of counselling prioritizes warm, transparent communication. I have experience supporting... 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

Sebastian-Poichi Ang

M.Couns., RCC
I have a master’s degree in counselling and am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) in British Columbia. I offer in-person and video-call counselling. Apart from English,  I speak fluent Mandarin and... Read more

Jennifer Trew

Ph.D., R.Psych
Dr. Jennifer Trew is a Registered Psychologist (CPBC #2224) specializing in the treatment of stress, anxiety, and mood difficulties in adults. She has training and expertise in assessing and treating depression,... 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

Robin Willis

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
It takes courage to reach out and seek help - to not go it alone. If you have found your way here, you have taken a brave first step. Life might not offer a clear handbook, and at times, our internal stories may... Read more

Tiffany Brown

M.A., CCC
  Tiffany Brown, MA, CCC is honoured to work with folks who've experienced or have been affected by abuse from a partner, other forms of gender-based violence including sexual assault, or any form... 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