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When High Standards start to feel heavy: Perfectionism, Burnout, and finding your way back
Perfectionism can feel like a superpower - the drive to do things well, to care deeply, to be reliable. But when those strengths stretch too far, they can quietly lead to burnout, exhaustion, and that persistent feeling that nothing is ever enough. In this post, we explore why perfectionism can become overwhelming, and how self-compassion and psychological flexibility can help you maintain your high standards without running yourself into the ground.
The Counselling Cove
3 days ago3 min read


Understanding the Five Imposter Profiles - Perfectionist, Expert, Natural Genius, Soloist & Superhuman
Burnout isn’t just about being busy - it’s often driven by the hidden rules and perfectionist pressures we place on ourselves. In this article, we explore Valerie Young’s five Imposter Profiles and how they quietly fuel stress, self-doubt, and exhaustion. You may recognise yourself in one… or all five.
The Counselling Cove
Nov 184 min read


Understanding your Inner Critic: Why it shows up and how counselling can help
Most of us know that inner voice that says, “You should be doing more,” or “Why can’t you just get it right?” That’s your inner critic - the part that points out mistakes, compares you to others, and sets impossible standards. While it can feel harsh, your inner critic often has a protective purpose. It might have developed to keep you safe from criticism or rejection - to help you fit in, achieve, or avoid failure. But over time, that protective voice can become relentles
The Counselling Cove
Nov 73 min read


Learning to let go of Perfectionism and People-Pleasing: How counselling can help
Perfectionism and people-pleasing can drain your energy. Counselling helps you reconnect with yourself and respond from a place of authenticity.
The Counselling Cove
Nov 52 min read


Easing the weight of Mum Guilt: Parenting with Heart, not Perfection
If guilt has been sitting heavily on your shoulders, this blog explores how to ease that weight and how counselling can support. You deserve to feel steady, valued, and enough.
The Counselling Cove
Aug 232 min read
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