Therapy for Perfectionism & Overachievement

Thomas Curran

“To move toward perfection is to alienate ourselves from ourselves, or worse, to never find ourselves again.”

Perfectionism

Perfectionism isn't just a desire to do well; it's a constant, exhausting pressure to pursue unobtainable expectations. It’s the relentless drive to meet impossibly high standards, the self-doubt that creeps in even after you've accomplished something, and the fear of failure that can stop you from taking action. It makes you question your worth, magnify small mistakes, and leaves you feeling never quite “good enough.” Perfectionism can drain the joy from your achievements and turn everyday tasks into anxiety-filled struggles.

Most people experience perfectionistic tendencies at some point in their lives. It’s not about being “too demanding” or “too controlling”; it’s often a response to internalized pressure, stress, or fear of not meeting expectations. For some, perfectionism can mean never being satisfied with their work or achievements; for others, it’s maintaining a facade of success and confidence while constantly battling inner self-criticism.

We’re here to help you untangle the complexities of perfectionism.

At Sunburst Psychology, we specialize in perfectionism therapy in Seattle and support individuals who are driven, capable, and often silently overwhelmed. Whether you’re a professional, student, entrepreneur, athletes, or creative, our approach to therapy for high-achievers is tailored to the unique stressors and expectations you face. We also provide imposter syndrome counseling in Seattle, helping you identify the inner narratives that leave you feeling like a fraud—even in the face of clear success.

In therapy, you’ll have space to:

  • Understand where your perfectionism comes from and how it’s impacting your life

  • Challenge the all-or-nothing thinking that fuels burnout and anxiety

  • Quiet your inner critic and develop a more compassionate internal voice

  • Reconnect with joy and meaning in your accomplishments

  • Create sustainable goals that honor your well-being—not just your performance

You don’t have to prove your worth through constant achievement. Healing perfectionism means reconnecting with your values, your joy, and your sense of enoughness.

We’re here to help you begin that process—with care, clarity, and connection.

“We need to accept that we won’t always make the right decisions, that we’ll screw up royally sometimes—understanding that failure is not the opposite of success, it’s part of success.”

— Arianna Huffington

Our Team of Therapists and Psychologists

Who you are

High-achievers

Perfectionists

Individuals in high-stress jobs 

Intercultural Couples

Mixed-Neurotype Couples  

Neurodiverse individuals

1.5/2 Generation Immigrants

Racial minorities 

LGBTQIA+ folks 

What you need

Ease of mind

Content

Calmness

Fulfillment

Joy

Confidence

Safe space

Connection

Customized care

Our approaches

Person-centered

Solution-focused 

Emotion-focused 

Relational 

Culturally-responsive 

Strength-based 

Existential

Trauma-informed

Gottman

You are ready for a change.

We make the first step forward easy and will accompany you along the journey of finding peace. You don’t have to do this alone.

3 easy steps to get started

Initial Consultation | Intake paperwork | Meet Your Therapist

You deserve to live without the constant pressure to be perfect. Take the first step towards loosening the chains of perfectionism. You are worthy of acceptance, growth, and joy—just as you are. Let us guide you on this path towards balance, self-compassion, and a more peaceful, fulfilling life.

Reach out today to start your journey of healing.

Sign up with your email address to receive updates and mental health resources.