The Perfectionism Therapist

26/09/2025

25/09/2025

9 simple habits ⤵️

✨ Write a ‘ta-dah list’ instead of a to-do list

One minute noting what you already did today (even tiny things like drinking water). It shifts focus from “not enough” to “already enough.”

✨ Place your hand on your heart before opening your laptop

Whisper: “I’m already enough.” A tiny ritual that anchors you before productivity takes over.

✨ Leave something unfinished — on purpose

An unmade bed, a draft email, a half-written list. Let your nervous system learn that incompleteness isn’t dangerous.

✨ Schedule a ‘nothing pocketing’ into your day like it matters

Because it does. Add 15 minutes in your calendar labeled “Unstructured rest.” Rest is a need, not a reward.

✨ Choose comfort over ‘shoulds’

Cozy jumper instead of the “right” outfit. Simple meal instead of the perfect one. Small acts of softness to help activate your soothing system.

✨ Take a “transition pause” between tasks

Close your eyes, put both feet on the floor, and breathe before starting the next thing. Send a signal to yourself that you’re a human, not a robot switching tabs.

✨ Use a “done for now” phrase instead of “finished”

Say aloud: “This is done for today.” It will help to release the need to squeeze every ounce of productivity from yourself.

✨ Pair rest with something tiny + soothing

Make tea and do nothing else while you sip it. Reinforcing that rest isn’t wasted time but part of the rhythm of productivity.

✨ Celebrate stopping, not finishing

When you close the laptop, put a hand on your chest and say, “I’m proud of myself for pausing.” Give equal weight to rest as to output.

👉🏼 If you’ve noticed how your perfectionism shows up as a constant need to be productive… I see you 🩷

It makes perfect sense that when your self-worth feels tangled up with productivity, slowing down can feel uncomfortable… even unsafe.

But there is another way. A way where you can feel safe to be both peaceful and productive.

I’m hosting a free masterclass on 29th Sept 7.30pm BST 🎉

“The Perfectionism Reset: Transform your perfectionism from exhausting to energising so you can be peaceful, productive & present” 💫

Comment ‘MASTERCLASS’ to save your seat 🎟️

25/09/2025

Unpopular opinions I have as a therapist working with perfectionists 👀

⚡️ You don’t need to “recover” from your perfectionism. The phrase “recovering perfectionist” actually holds so many high achievers back from embracing who they are. You & your perfectionism aren’t broken - it’s just the way you’re managing it that needs sorting.

⚡️ Lowering your standards isn’t the answer. Most advice tells perfectionists to “just relax” or “let things go” - but that feels wrong because your high standards got you where you are. You need to learn how to harness your perfectionism, not abandon it entirely.

⚡️ Self-care routines can make perfectionism worse. When you create a 10-step perfect morning routine, you’re still applying perfectionist thinking to self-care. Sometimes the most caring thing is an ad-hoc mindful moment while the kettle boils.

⚡️ Procrastination isn’t about being lazy. It’s an emotion regulation issue. Perfectionists procrastinate because they care too much about getting it right. The pressure to do it perfectly makes avoidance feel safer than starting.

⚡️ Striving for perfection isn’t the problem - feeling unsafe when you’re imperfect is. You don’t need to love making mistakes or stop caring about quality. You just need your nervous system to feel safe during the inevitable times when perfection isn’t possible.

⚡️ Your perfectionism is actually a superpower when managed correctly. The same traits that cause you overwhelm - attention to detail, high standards, drive for excellence - are exactly what make you exceptional when channeled properly.

⚡️ Your anxiety isn’t separate from your perfectionism. They’re deeply connected. When you learn to manage perfectionism effectively, anxiety naturally reduces because you’re not constantly living in fear of not being “enough.”

As someone who’s helped hundreds of women embrace & manage their perfectionism - I know there’s a healthier way to thrive as a perfectionist 💛

Let me show you how at my FREE masterclass “The Perfectionism Reset: Transform your perfectionism from exhausting to energising so you can be peaceful, productive & present” on Sept 29th 🤩

Comment “MASTERCLASS” to save your seat!

23/09/2025

Do you ever feel like you’re on a hamster wheel of perfectionism? 🐹

You’re successful on the outside, but inside you’re exhausted from trying to do everything perfectly. 

You overthink decisions, procrastinate on important tasks because they won’t be “perfect enough,” and despite your achievements, nothing ever feels good enough.

Here’s the truth: The problem isn’t your high standards. It’s that no one taught you how to feel SAFE being imperfect.

I’m kicking off the launch of my program Safely Imperfect with a FREE live masterclass: “The Perfectionism Reset” ✨

During this transformative masterclass, you’ll learn: 

✅ What’s keeping you stuck in unhealthy perfectionist patterns of overthinking, procrastinating, and never feeling good enough (and what to do about it) 

✅ How to start feeling safe being imperfect so that you can feel confident in your decisions and present in your life 

✅ My signature 4-part Healthy Perfectionist Framework for managing your perfectionism effectively (picture high standards and happy)

This class is for you if:
😢 You’re exhausted from trying to do everything perfectly, but can’t seem to let go
😢 You spend hours overthinking decisions, yet still worry you’ve missed something
😢 You know your perfectionism is draining you, but you’re afraid letting go means lowering your standards
😢 You want to be more present with loved ones, but your mind is always racing with what needs to be done

Imagine maintaining your high standards WITHOUT the constant exhaustion. Picture feeling confident in your decisions WITHOUT endless analysis. Think about what it would be like to finally feel “good enough” while still achieving excellence.

Join me LIVE on Sept 29th 7.30pm BST (replay available).

Those joining the masterclass will also get access to exclusive info about Safely Imperfect and a headstart on being one of the first 8 people to sign up to get a free 1:1 coaching call with me.

If you’re ready to transform your relationship with perfectionism without sacrificing success, comment “MASTERCLASS” to save your seat. 

Your future self—accomplished AND happy—will thank you.

Can’t wait to see you there x

23/09/2025

It’s important you know this about me 👇🏼

I’m not the therapist who will tell you to overcome or let go of your perfectionism - instead, I’ll show you how to embrace and manage it using my unique blend of cognitive-behavioural, mindfulness, self-compassion, and nervous system regulation techniques ✨

Hiya, I’m Natalie and I’m a psychotherapist & coach specialising in perfectionism 🙋🏼‍♀️

I’m here to show you that you CAN manage your perfectionism effectively, overcome anxiety, and reduce overwhelm 🧠

I help my clients to:

➡️ Transform unhealthy perfectionism into a source of strength 

➡️ Overcome anxiety, overthinking, and self-doubt so they can take confident action 

➡️ Break free from procrastination and analysis paralysis to boost productivity

➡️ Build self-compassion while maintaining their high standards 

So that ultimately they can create a life where they feel calm, confident and content - thriving in their career while being present with their loved ones, embracing their perfectionist traits without sacrificing their wellbeing 💃🏼

Sound good? Follow me and join a community of women transforming their perfectionism 🫶🏼

19/09/2025

New blog post 👉🏼 Is Perfectionism a Form of Anxiety? What You Need to Know

https://theperfectionismtherapist.com/is-perfectionism-anxiety/

19/09/2025

New blog post 👉🏼 Journal Prompts for Perfectionists: Change Your Inner Critic

https://theperfectionismtherapist.com/perfectionism-journal-prompts/