Perfectionism and Anxiety Therapy in Chicago
Support for Students and Young Adults Struggling with Perfectionism OCD
Do you spend hours rechecking assignments, over-preparing for work tasks, or feeling like nothing you do is ever “good enough”? For many students and young adults, these experiences are part of perfectionism OCD—a form of anxiety that turns high standards into a source of stress.
At Chicago Counseling Center, we provide evidence-based therapy for perfectionism and anxiety, helping clients develop practical strategies, reduce compulsive behaviors, and regain confidence in school, work, and daily life.
If you're ready to explore your therapy options, our FAQ page can provide further insights into what might work best for you. You can also schedule an appointment with our team here.
Understanding Perfectionism and Anxiety
Perfectionism becomes a problem when it fuels anxiety, avoidance, and self-criticism. It’s not a character flaw—it’s often a coping mechanism that maintains cycles of OCD and anxiety.
Common signs include:
Over-preparing for school or work tasks
Avoiding projects due to fear of imperfection
Seeking constant reassurance from peers, mentors, or supervisors
Feeling that even completed work is never “good enough”
When these behaviors interfere with focus, productivity, or wellbeing, it may be time for targeted support.
How Perfectionism OCD Shows Up
Perfectionism and OCD share features like:
Intolerance of uncertainty: Feeling unsafe unless everything is perfect
Checking and rechecking: Constantly reviewing work or notes
Avoidance: Putting off tasks until “conditions are right”
Temporary relief cycles: Completing a ritual reduces anxiety briefly but reinforces patterns
Recognizing these patterns is key to breaking the cycle and regaining freedom in school or work.
Common Traps at School and Work
Trap: Over-preparing
How It Looks: Spending excessive hours on tasks
Trap: Procrastination
How It Looks: Avoiding assignments or reports
Trap: Reassurance seeking
How It Looks: Asking peers or mentors repeatedly if work is “okay”
Trap: Difficulty prioritizing
How It Looks: Getting stuck on minor details instead of overall goals
Evidence-Based Therapy: ERP, CBT, and Behavioral Activation
Chicago Counseling Center focuses on practical, skills-based therapy for perfectionism, anxiety, and OCD.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
Face school or work tasks without perfectionistic rituals
Gradually tolerate uncertainty and imperfection
Example: Submit a report or assignment without over-editing
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Reframe self-critical thoughts: “Doing my best is enough”
Challenge all-or-nothing thinking
Break large tasks into achievable steps
Behavioral Activation
Schedule meaningful or enjoyable activities to prevent over-focus on perfectionistic tasks
Increase motivation and balance life
A Realistic School/Work Example
Jordan, a graduate student in Chicago, spent weeks rewriting a single assignment. Through ERP and CBT, Jordan practiced submitting work without last-minute edits, gradually noticing anxiety decrease. Over time, productivity, confidence, and satisfaction improved—even under the same workload.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can perfectionism be part of OCD?
Yes. When high standards create compulsive checking, avoidance, or anxiety, perfectionism may be linked to OCD.
How does ERP help with work or school stress?
ERP teaches tolerating uncertainty and completing tasks without compulsive behaviors, reducing long-term anxiety.
Is therapy practical and skills-based?
Absolutely. Our approach focuses on actionable strategies, including ERP exercises, CBT reframes, and behavioral activation.
Do you work with college students or professionals?
Yes. We specialize in supporting students and young adults navigating perfectionism, anxiety, and OCD symptoms.
Get Started with Perfectionism and Anxiety Therapy
If perfectionism and anxiety are affecting your focus, mood, or performance, support is available.
Get started today by submitting a secure form to our team.
Learn more about our psychotherapy services here.
Services available in-person in Chicago and via telehealth in IL.
References
Shafran, R., Cooper, Z., & Fairburn, C. G. (2002). Clinical perfectionism. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 40(7), 773–791.
Egan, S. J., Wade, T. D., & Shafran, R. (2011). Perfectionism as a transdiagnostic process. Clinical Psychology Review, 31(2), 203–212.