Embrace Self-Acceptance and Break Free from Unrealistic Standards

  • Perfectionism & Shame

    Striving for excellence can be positive—until it becomes an unyielding demand that drives anxiety, self-criticism, and shame.

  • How Therapy Can Help with Perfectionism & Shame:

    Identify Underlying Roots & Unmet Needs
    Uncover how past experiences and internal beliefs contribute to perfectionism and feelings of unworthiness.

    Challenge Negative Self-Talk
    Learn to reframe harsh inner narratives and replace them with constructive, empowering perspectives.

    Build Self-Compassion & Resilience
    Develop empathy for yourself and discover healthier ways to navigate setbacks and mistakes.

    Reduce Anxiety & Stress
    Implement coping strategies that alleviate the pressure to be “perfect,” promoting emotional balance and peace of mind.

    Achieve Meaningful Goals
    Move toward authentic success and fulfillment by setting realistic expectations and boundaries.

  • Sam’s Approach to Perfectionism & Shame

    At Better Life Psychotherapy, sessions are personalized to your unique struggles, drawing on Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), attachment-based insights, and self-compassion techniques. Sam fosters a safe, supportive environment where you can explore the root causes of perfectionism, confront shame head-on, and develop the emotional tools to nurture healthy self-worth. Together, you’ll learn how to embrace your strengths and imperfections, creating space for a more balanced, confident life.

Perfectionism starts when love and acceptance by the parents depend on the performance of the child.”
[The Child, or adult] cannot relax nor taste joy or pleasure. He cannot allow himself to simply live and savor good moments. He abandons his true self to adopt his idealized image. The desire for admiration is then a substitute for love. He is the best (or among the best) or he is of no value, is nothing. There is an enormous dependence on admiration from others... depression, a feeling of emptiness, the impression of self-alienation and the absurdity of life lie in wait and invade them as soon as the drug of “grandiosity” fails them, as soon as they are not ON TOP, they are not headliners
— The Long Journey Toward Serenity by Andre` Daigneault
I have encountered numerous therapists throughout my career and have always thought about whether or not I would want to see them for therapy in order to offer a genuine referral. Sam is absolutely someone I would not only want to see, but would happily refer to on a regular basis. He is kind, warm, and thoughtful. His enthusiasm over wanting to help people is obvious from your first encounter with him. I recommend him as a therapist with no hesitations!
— Maggie Ateia, Psy.D. Licensed Clinical Psychologist

You Deserve Support

No matter how difficult things feel, healing is possible. If you’re struggling with perfectionism and shame, let’s work together to help you find peace and joy again.

💻 Virtual therapy sessions from home available across California.
🔗 Schedule a free 20 minute discovery session today.

Perfectionism and Shame