The Psychology of Perfectionism: The struggle to be good enough with Dr. Paul Hewitt Part 1

Dan and this week's guest, Dr. Paul Hewitt, embark on a quest into the psychology of perfectionism. Paul Hewitt is a registered clinical psychologist and a Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of British Columbia. He has published over 300 research papers, books, and chapters on perfectionism, psychopathology, and psychotherapy, was cited as one of the top 10 Canadian clinical psychology professors for research productivity, and was recently awarded the Donald O. Hebb Award for Distinguished Contributions to Psychology as a Science by the Canadian Psychological Association. Dr. Hewitt discusses the complexities of perfectionism and its implications in psychotherapy. He emphasizes the importance of humility in clinical practice and shares personal anecdotes about his journey in understanding perfectionism. The discussion delves into the definitions, traits, and interpersonal expressions of perfectionism, highlighting its deep-rooted psychological impacts. Paul also outlines therapeutic approaches to address perfectionism, focusing on the significance of a strong therapeutic alliance and the need for self-acceptance. ______________ Follow Psychotherapy & Applied Psychology! Twitter: /TheAPPod 🎧 Listen on your podcast player of choice (https://psychotherapyandappliedpsycho...) ______________ 00:00 Introduction 03:45 Joy and Challenge of Psychotherapy 06:50 Early Experiences in Clinical Work 11:20 Receiving the UBC Job Offer 16:15 Impostor Syndrome in Academia 20:40 Exploring Perfectionism in Graduate School 25:00 The Influence of Classical Music on Perfectionism 30:30 Defining Perfectionism: Broader Concepts 34:45 Three Types of Perfectionism Traits 38:30 Perfectionism in Relationships and Interpersonal Contexts 42:10 Self-Criticism and the Inner Dialogue 46:00 Perfectionism and Suicidal Behavior 50:45 Perfectionism and Deep Psychological Pain 54:20 Preparing Students for Clinical Work with Perfectionism ______________ Special guest: Dr. Paul Hewitt https://hewittlab.psych.ubc.ca/ (free) Tools to assess perfectionism https://hewittlab.psych.ubc.ca/measur... Books on Perfectionism Perfectionism in Childhood and Adolescence: A Developmental Approach https://www.apa.org/pubs/books/perfec... Perfectionism: A Relational Approach to Conceptualization, Assessment, and Treatment https://www.guilford.com/books/Perfec... Other resources Clients Struggling With Perfectionism https://www.apa.org/pubs/videos/4310007 Group Psychodynamic-Interpersonal Psychotherapy https://www.apa.org/pubs/books/group-... ---------------------- Keywords #mentalhealth #therapy #perfectionism #psychotherapy #personalizedtreatment #process #emotionalhealth #client #research #podcast #psychology #researchinsights #psychodynamic Takeaways Humility is essential in psychotherapy. Each client is unique and presents different challenges. Perfectionism can stem from a flawed self-perception. The journey of understanding perfectionism began in undergraduate studies. Perfectionism is a multi-layered personality style. There are different types of perfectionism: self-oriented, other-oriented, and socially prescribed. The internal dialogue of perfectionists can be harsh and critical. Therapeutic alliance is crucial for effective treatment. Perfectionism often leads to feelings of inadequacy and self-criticism. Understanding the roots of perfectionism can aid in treatment. ______________ Producer: Mack Britton Productions ~-~~-~~~-~~-~ Please watch: "PhD vs PsyD: Understanding the Differences"    • Understanding The Differences Between Phd ...   ~-~~-~~~-~~-~