4 of the Best NYC Therapists For Perfectionism
Find balance & self-compassion with counseling for perfectionism.
Struggling with never feeling “good enough”? We specialize in helping professionals and creatives in NYC break free from perfectionism’s grip and reconnect with joy, purpose, and self-worth.
Why clients choose Madison Square Psychotherapy:
Deep expertise in treating perfectionism, anxiety, and burnout—core areas of focus in our practice
Integrative care that combines psychodynamic insight with evidence-based modalities like CBT, ACT, and mindfulness
Therapists with specialized experience working with high-performing professionals and creatives in NYC
Culturally responsive, trauma-informed therapy that respects the complexity of identity and lived experience
Seamless virtual and in-person sessions that fit your lifestyle, with transparent, simplified billing
A long-term, insight-oriented approach that prioritizes emotional growth—not just short-term fixes
A collaborative, nonjudgmental space where clients learn to understand, challenge, and soften their inner critic
About Madison Square Psychotherapy
At Madison Square Psychotherapy, we are dedicated to providing personalized, high-quality, and accessible therapy for perfectionism. We understand that each person's journey is unique, and we aim to meet you where you are, offering flexible scheduling, virtual or in-person sessions, and simplified billing to accommodate your needs. Our team of highly skilled and compassionate therapists each bring their own unique clinical strengths to the therapy room, ensuring that you’ll always be receiving a well-rounded approach to help you overcome perfectionism.
We’re committed to helping you gain insight into the deeper causes of your unhealthy perfectionism, providing a safe and supportive space to explore your internal thoughts and feelings. Whether you're dealing with clinical symptoms such as anxiety or depression, struggling with relationship issues, disordered eating, or just seeking personal growth, we offer a therapeutic environment that provides support as you work to shift behavior, learn to better cope, and heal. Our promise at Madison Square is that you’ll find an essential clinical partner who will work collaboratively with you to create a treatment plan tailored to you specifically, helping you to let go of relentless striving and move toward the life you desire.
Meet our top-rated therapists for perfectionism in New York
Kristin Anderson
Kristin specializes in psychodynamic therapy, focusing on relationship dynamics, identity development, and trauma recovery, particularly in cases of clinical perfectionism . She integrates Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help clients work through stress, anxiety, mood symptoms, trauma, or life transitions.
Madeleine Phelan
Madeleine's work centers on helping clients uncover the root causes of emotional difficulties, relationship challenges, and repetitive patterns from the past. She integrates mindfulness and somatic approaches, drawing on her background in trauma-informed care to build resilience and support personal growth.
Janel Coleman
Janel specializes in helping clients navigate challenges such as anxiety, stress, relationship difficulties, and life transitions. Her approach is holistic and person-centered, blending psychodynamic therapy, CBT, and mindfulness techniques, with training in EMDR to assist with processing past life experiences.
Madelyn Lunder
Madelyn offers a blend of psychodynamic therapy and mindfulness-based interventions, specializing in relational dynamics. She helps clients understand how past experiences influence their present emotional landscape, incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to address issues like anxiety, depression, and life transitions.
How to start counseling for perfectionism
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Starting therapy can feel overwhelming - especially for perfectionists - but we’ve made the process simple, supportive, and clear. Here’s how to take the first steps toward change:
1. Get Matched with a Therapist
Unsure where to start or who you want to work with? Start by taking our Therapist Matching Questionnaire. Based on your goals, preferences, and availability, we’ll thoughtfully match you with a therapist who specializes in perfectionism therapy and has experience working with clients who have struggled with perfectionism as well. Every member of our team brings their own unique clinical strengths to the process, helping clients understand the negative consequences of their perfectionism .
Schedule a Free Consultation
Start by booking a free 15-minute phone consultation. This is a chance for us to learn about what you're struggling with and answer any questions you may have about therapy at Madison Square Psychotherapy. There’s no pressure—just a conversation to see if we’re the right fit.
2. Get Matched with a Therapist
3. Begin Your First Session
Once you’re matched, you’ll schedule your first full session. Whether virtual or in-person, this initial meeting sets the tone for your therapy journey. Together, you'll begin exploring what’s driving your perfectionism, including the deep fear it may instill —and how to build a more balanced, self-compassionate life.
Why choose Madison Square Psychotherapy?
Choosing the right therapist is deeply personal—and essential to making progress. At Madison Square Psychotherapy, we prioritize clinical excellence, personalized care, and a therapy experience that truly meets your needs. Here’s what sets us apart:
1. Specialized Support for Perfectionism
Our team has deep experience working with clients who struggle with perfectionism, overthinking, and self-criticism. We understand the hidden emotional toll these patterns take and provide strategies that help you move toward self-acceptance and balance.
2. Insight-Oriented, Evidence-Based Approach
We blend psychodynamic therapy with proven techniques like CBT, ACT, and mindfulness. This allows us to address both the root causes and the day-to-day symptoms, creating space for lasting, meaningful change.
3. Therapists Who Truly Get You
Our clinicians are not only highly trained—they’re also thoughtful, warm, and collaborative. We’re especially experienced in working with high-achieving professionals, creatives, and individuals navigating identity, relationship, or life transitions.
4. Flexible, Accessible Care
We offer both virtual and in-person sessions, simplified billing, and a straightforward intake process. Therapy should be a supportive part of your life—not another source of stress.
Common reasons why people start therapy for perfectionism
Perfectionism often goes unnoticed until it begins to seriously affect your mental health, relationships, or daily functioning. Many clients come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or exhausted—unsure why they can’t just “relax” or “be happy.” Here are some common reasons people seek support:
1. Constant Self-Criticism
Perfectionists tend to have a harsh inner voice that never lets up. Therapy can help you understand where this voice comes from and begin to replace it with more compassionate self-talk.
2. Burnout and Exhaustion
Holding yourself to impossibly high standards can lead to chronic stress, overworking, and eventual burnout. Therapy helps you recognize these patterns, including those stemming from unrealistically high expectations, and build healthier boundaries with yourself and others.
3. Fear of Failure
Many perfectionists feel paralyzed by the idea of making a mistake or being judged. Therapy provides a space to explore these fears, challenge perfectionistic thinking, and build resilience.
4. Strained Relationships
Perfectionism can create tension in relationships—whether from high expectations, difficulty being vulnerable, or fear of letting others down. Therapy can help you show up more authentically and strengthen your connections.
When another practice might be a better fit for your needs
While we strive to provide thoughtful, high-quality care for a wide range of clients, there are some situations where a different provider or setting may better support your needs. We value transparency and want to ensure you get the best help possible—even if that’s not with us.
1. You Need Crisis or Emergency Support
We are not a crisis center and do not offer 24/7 care. If you're experiencing thoughts of self-harm or are in immediate danger, we recommend contacting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, visiting your nearest emergency room, or calling 911.
2. You’re Looking for Medication Management
Madison Square Psychotherapy does not provide psychiatric evaluations or prescribe medication. If you’re seeking medication as part of your treatment, we’re happy to collaborate with your psychiatrist or refer you to trusted psychiatric providers in the NYC area.
3. You Require Specialized Services Outside Our Scope
While our therapists are experienced in many areas, we may not be the best fit for highly specialized needs such as eating disorders requiring medical oversight or active substance use disorders. We can refer you to clinicians or programs with that expertise..
FAQs about perfectionism therapy
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Perfectionism often stems from a complex mix of early life experiences, personality traits, and cultural or family expectations. Many perfectionists grew up in environments where achievement was highly valued, mistakes were criticized, or love felt conditional. This can lead to internalized beliefs that self-worth is tied to performance or control.
Other contributing factors may include high parental expectations, past trauma, or experiences of inconsistency or unpredictability in early caregiving. Over time, perfectionistic habits can become coping mechanisms—used to avoid failure, rejection, or emotional discomfort.
From a psychodynamic perspective, perfectionism can be a way of managing underlying feelings of inadequacy or fear.
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No, perfectionism itself isn’t classified as a mental illness. However, extreme or rigid perfectionism is often linked with diagnosable mental health conditions. It commonly coexists with anxiety disorders, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and eating disorders.
In clinical practice, we often see that perfectionistic tendencies can fuel chronic stress, low self-esteem, and emotional burnout. It may also contribute to procrastination, indecision, or relationship difficulties due to unrealistic expectations—of both self and others.
While not a disorder in itself, perfectionism can seriously interfere with well-being and functioning. Therapy helps clients explore where these patterns come from and learn healthier ways of relating to themselves and their goals.
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Several evidence-based therapies rooted in counseling psychology are effective in treating perfectionism. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is widely used to help individuals identify and challenge perfectionistic thinking patterns. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) supports clients in developing psychological flexibility and values-based living, even in the presence of self-doubt. Self-compassion-focused therapy is also powerful in reducing harsh self-criticism and fostering emotional resilience.
At Madison Square Psychotherapy, our clinicians integrate these modalities with psychodynamic therapy, which explores the deeper emotional roots of perfectionism, such as internalized expectations or early relational experiences. This combined approach allows clients to not only reduce symptoms but to gain lasting insight and emotional growth.
Get matched with one of our NYC therapists today
Feeling deeply and being emotionally responsive is part of who you are—and therapy can help you navigate that with more clarity. If you're curious about working with us, we invite you to book a free 15-minute consultation call. It's a simple, supportive way to connect with a therapist and see if our approach feels right for you.
Ready to get started?