Self-Worth & Perfectionism Therapy in Calgary | NU Psychology
Perfectionism often looks like high achievement from the outside — organized, capable, dependable. But inside, it can feel like pressure, spiraling thoughts, tension in your chest, or the constant belief that everything you do “should be better.” Many people describe it as living with an internal critic that never turns off.
Perfectionism isn’t about wanting things to be perfect. It’s about wanting to feel safe, in control, or valued. And over time, the pressure to perform can chip away at confidence and self-worth.
If you’re tired of feeling like your best is never good enough, therapy can help you understand why these patterns formed — and how to build a gentler way of relating to yourself.
You deserve to move through life with steadiness, not self-criticism.
What Perfectionism & Low Self-Worth Feel Like
These patterns often show up quietly, woven into everyday life. You might feel:
Pressure to get everything right on the first try
Difficulty resting because there’s always more to do
A racing mind when you think about expectations
Irritability or emotional fatigue from constantly holding yourself together
Procrastination because starting feels overwhelming
A sense of emptiness after accomplishments
Avoidance of tasks because the bar feels impossibly high
Many people blame themselves for being “too sensitive,” “too anxious,” or “not disciplined enough.” But perfectionism rarely comes from a lack of willpower — it comes from emotional patterns learned over time, often long before adulthood.
Why These Patterns Develop
Perfectionism can grow from many experiences, including early pressure to succeed, inconsistent emotional environments, trauma, or being praised primarily for achievement. For some, it becomes a way to stay connected; for others, a way to avoid criticism or conflict.
As you get older, the same strategies that once helped you cope can start to feel heavy. High standards turn into impossible expectations. Rest turns into guilt. Success stops feeling satisfying. And the belief that your worth is tied to performance becomes harder to ignore.
Therapy helps you see the “why” behind these patterns, not just the symptoms on the surface.
How NU Psychology Supports Self-Worth & Perfectionism
We take a warm, collaborative, and evidence-informed approach to support adults and teens who feel stuck in cycles of pressure, overthinking, or emotional exhaustion. Your therapist may integrate approaches such as:
Narrative Therapy to reshape internal stories around worth and identity
EMDR for perfectionism linked to past experiences or unresolved stress
Emotion-focused work to soften the inner critic and strengthen self-compassion
Signs You May Be Ready for Support
You might benefit from therapy if you notice:
Feeling like you can’t relax without guilt
Comparing yourself constantly, even if others see you as successful
Being “on edge” about deadlines, expectations, or disappointing others
Difficulty making decisions because the stakes feel high
Feeling unworthy unless you’re achieving
Emotional exhaustion from always trying to hold everything together
A sense that your confidence depends on performance
Many people seek support when perfectionism begins affecting their sleep, relationships, or ability to enjoy life — but you don’t need to wait for burnout. Early support can prevent pressure from turning into anxiety or depression.
Signs You May Be Ready for Support
You might benefit from therapy if you notice:
Feeling like you can’t relax without guilt
Comparing yourself constantly, even if others see you as successful
Being “on edge” about deadlines, expectations, or disappointing others
Difficulty making decisions because the stakes feel high
Feeling unworthy unless you’re achieving
Emotional exhaustion from always trying to hold everything together
A sense that your confidence depends on performance
Many people seek support when perfectionism begins affecting their sleep, relationships, or ability to enjoy life — but you don’t need to wait for burnout. Early support can prevent pressure from turning into anxiety or depression.
Together, we work toward:
Reducing self-criticism and practicing more compassionate language
Building confidence that isn’t tied to achievement
Separating identity from performance
Setting boundaries without guilt
Feeling grounded instead of overwhelmed
Reconnecting with parts of yourself that have been overshadowed by pressure
Over time, many clients describe feeling lighter, more confident, and able to approach goals from a place of intention instead of fear.
Sleep Support for Teens & Adults
Teens & Young Adults
Perfectionism often emerges around academic pressure, social comparison, or fear of making mistakes. We help teens develop healthier self-worth, emotional resilience, and skills for managing overthinking.
Adults
For adults, perfectionism is often intertwined with work stress, identity, caregiving roles, and the mental load of daily life. We support adults in building balance, reducing pressure, and creating a more grounded relationship with themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Not always — but many people develop perfectionistic patterns as a response to early emotional environments, expectations, or feeling responsible for others.
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Yes. Anxiety can amplify pressure and self-criticism, while ADHD can lead to cycles of overcompensating, pushing harder, or fearing inconsistency.
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Therapy doesn’t take away your strengths. It helps you achieve without exhaustion, fear, or self-blame.
Start Self-Worth & Perfectionism Therapy in Calgary
If your inner critic feels loud, if rest feels uncomfortable, or if pressure has become your default state, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Therapy can help you understand your patterns, strengthen your confidence, and rewrite the internal rules you’ve been living by. Book online, call, or email to get matched with a psychologist who specializes in perfectionism, self-worth, anxiety, and emotional wellness.
NU Psychology is located in Killarney, Calgary, easy to reach from:
Aspen Woods · West Springs · Cougar Ridge · Discovery Ridge · Springbank · Signal Hill · Strathcona · Mount Royal · Altadore · Bankview · Glendale · Westgate · Wildwood · Hillhurst · Sunalta · Lakeview.
📍 2005 – 37 St SW, Unit #4, Calgary
📞 403-217-4686