Therapy for Perfectionism, Anxiety, & Burnout in Orange County, California
Telehealth across all of California
The Hidden Cost of Perfectionism
Perfectionism is praised — especially among high-achievers, caregivers, professionals, and people who have learned that their worth is tied to performance and how they impacts others. On the surface, perfectionism can look like ambition, responsibility, or success. Underneath it is chronic anxiety, self-criticism, burnout, relationship strain, and a deep fear of not being “enough” or a constant need to do “right.”
Many people struggling with perfectionism feel trapped in cycles of overthinking, people-pleasing, emotional exhaustion, and never fully being able to rest or feel satisfied with themselves.
Dr. Shelby Kittinger
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Relational Psychodynamic Therapist
In my work, I specialize in helping patients explore the deeper roots of perfectionism — including early relational experiences, attachment patterns, trauma, and internalized expectations — so they can begin building a more compassionate and sustainable relationship with themselves and others.
Through psychodynamic therapy, we work to understand not only the behaviors of perfectionism, but also the underlying fears, self-criticism, shame, and protective patterns that keep it in place. Rather than focusing solely on symptoms, psychodynamic therapy helps uncover the emotional and relational dynamics that often drive the need to constantly achieve, perform, or “get it right.” By exploring the deeper experiences that shaped these patterns, therapy can create space for greater freedom, fulfillment, and self-worth that is not solely dependent on productivity or achievement.
