Perfectionism: A Trauma Response

Trauma Rewired

Our society rewards those who work hard, appear to never make mistakes, and seem to have everything under control. We’ve collectively decided on what perfect looks like and attributed perfectionism with the ideal person. What if we told you that perfectionism is actually a protective measure used to prevent oneself from feelings of rejection, abandonment, and worthlessness? These words don’t quite scream “perfect” do they?

Trauma Rewired hosts Jennifer and Elisabeth have touched upon this trauma response before, but today’s episode is a deep dive into how it can develop and lead to harmful avoidance behaviors. They deconstruct perfectionism, including defining the three types of perfectionism and how it interplays with CPTSD elements like the inner critic.

You’ll learn the many health consequences that the chronic stress of perfectionism can cause, and how to distinguish excellence from perfectionism. Jennifer and Elisabeth also share their experience with perfectionism, and how it can push us into burnout or freeze states.

Perfectionism is not an attainable goal, which makes it debilitating and a hindrance to healing trauma. To take the first step towards moving out of perfectionism, tune in!

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Defining the 3 types of perfectionism
• Perfectionism as a trauma response
• Jennifer’s example of setting yourself up for failure
• The effects of perfectionism on our health
• Maladaptive coping mechanisms for perfectionism
• How to recognize perfectionist behaviors and thinking
• Jennifer on taking action against her perfectionism
• Trauma healing, neurosomatic intelligence, and integration
• Limiting beliefs push the loop of perfectionism
• Elisabeth on the importance on self-regulation tools in her life
• How perfectionism negatively affects organizations and employees
• Steps Elisabeth has taken to heal her perfectionism and workaholism

Learn more about Elisabeth Kristof and her company, Brain-Based Wellness, here: https://brainbased-wellness.com/about/

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Head to https://calendly.com/traumarewired/consultation for a consultation to identify trauma responses in your own life and learn how to train your nervous system to move out of behaviors that aren’t serving you!

Work with Jennifer:

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