5 Best Chicago Therapists for Perfectionism
If you're a high-achiever who's exhausted from constantly raising the bar on yourself, you're not alone—and you don't have to figure it out by yourself. As a therapist in Chicago who specializes in perfectionism, I’ve seen firsthand how therapy can help people break free from the cycle of never feeling good enough and find more ease, confidence, and self-trust. Here, I’ll share a bit more about my practice and introduce you to some other local therapists so you can find the right match.
Therapist highlight: Elizabeth Bodett Dresser, LCPC
Recommended for IFS therapy for perfectionism
Hi, I’m Elizabeth. I understand perfectionism both on a personal level (yes, I schedule my hair and chiropractor appointments for the entire year in January because systems help me feel in control) and in a professional context. In my practice, I specialize in working with high-achievers who've built impressive lives but feel trapped by their own standards, struggling with burnout, anxiety, and the nagging fear that they're somehow not enough.
Through Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, you’ll learn how to embrace all parts of you—especially that relentless inner critic, the perfectionist who won't let you rest, and the overachiever who's always pushing for more. Instead of trying to silence these parts or push them away, we'll work together to understand what they're actually trying to protect you from.
Offers therapy for perfectionism: ✓
Credentials: Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Clientele: Adults
Location: Chicago, IL 60602
Virtual therapy: Yes
I know my practice may not be the right fit for everyone, and that's completely okay. If we're not a match during our intro call, you may consider connecting with one of these local therapists who specialize in perfectionism and anxiety. Finding the right therapist matters more than finding any therapist.
Other Chicago perfectionism treatment resources
Danielle Nowlan
Recommended for co-occurring perfectionism & eating disorders
Offers therapy for perfectionism: ✓
Credentials: Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Clientele: Adults
Location: Park Ridge, IL, 60068
Virtual therapy: Yes
Sam Rustum
Recommended male perfectionism therapist
Offers therapy for perfectionism: ✓
Credentials: Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Clientele: Teens, adults, & couples
Location: Chicago, IL, 60625
Virtual therapy: Yes
Rachel Shubert
Recommended for co-occurring perfectionism & skin-picking
Offers therapy for perfectionism: ✓
Credentials: Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Clientele: Adults
Location: Illinois
Virtual therapy: Yes
Cityscape Counseling
Recommended for RO-DBT perfectionism therapy
Offers therapy for perfectionism: ✓
Credentials: Various
Clientele: Children, teens, adults, couples, & families
Location: Chicago, IL 60601
Virtual therapy: Yes
How to choose the right perfectionism therapist for you
Finding a therapist who truly gets perfectionism makes all the difference. Here are some things to consider when selecting a therapist:
Treatment approach: Look for therapists trained in modalities that address the root causes of perfectionism (like IFS or ACT) rather than just managing symptoms.
Experience with high-achievers: Some therapists specialize in working with people who struggle with the unique pressure of being the "go-to" person at work or home.
Connection: You should feel comfortable being vulnerable—if the vibe feels off in a consultation, keep looking.
Practical needs: Consider logistics like location, insurance, virtual options, and availability that actually works with your schedule.
I also know from working with my perfectionist clients that trying to make the “perfect” decision can paralyze them into making no decision at all. Trust your gut during the consultation call and be open to giving a new therapist a try for a few sessions if you’re not 100% certain right away.
FAQs about perfectionism treatment
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No, perfectionism itself isn't a diagnosable disorder. However, it's often connected to anxiety, depression, and trauma. It's a coping strategy many of us develop to feel safe and in control, but over time, it can seriously impact your mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. Therapy helps you understand where it comes from and how to ease up on yourself without changing who you are.
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Here are some signs that perfectionism treatment may help you:
You feel like a fraud despite your accomplishments (hello, imposter syndrome)
You overwork yourself to avoid feeling anxious or out of control
You struggle to rest, enjoy hobbies, or feel satisfied with what you've done
Your inner critic is relentless, and you're exhausted from trying to meet impossible standards
You avoid tasks entirely because you're afraid you won't do them perfectly
Remember, perfectionism isn’t a diagnosis, and there’s no exact “right” time to seek support. If you’re considering therapy and wondering whether it can help, it probably can.
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There's no singular "best" type of therapy for perfectionism—what matters most is finding an approach that resonates with you. I primarily use Internal Family Systems (IFS), which I’ve found is especially effective because it helps you understand the parts of you driving perfectionism (like your inner critic) and develop more self-compassion.
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First, we’ll start by building trust and gathering some baseline information about what you’re experiencing. From here, we’ll begin to work on understanding where your high standards come from and how they're impacting your life now. You'll learn to recognize patterns, affirm and soothe your inner critic, set healthier boundaries, and build trust in yourself. The goal of perfectionism therapy tends to be finding balance so you can feel more confident, calm, and present in your life.
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The first step is scheduling a free consultation call. This gives us a chance to talk about what you're experiencing, what you're hoping to change, and whether we're a good fit. If we are, we'll set up your first session. If not, I'll help you find someone who is. You don't have to have everything figured out before reaching out—just show up as you are.
Start working with a Chicago perfectionism therapist today
You've spent enough time trying to do everything perfectly on your own. Let's work together to help you feel more confident, grounded, and at ease in your life.