The experience of perfectionism within personal therapy: Perspectives from Therapists of Colour

Abstract

Background: The experience of perfectionism involves the setting of excessively high standards for oneself or others. Perfectionism is associated as an underlying experience to various psychological difficulties and is often unfavourable to the outcomes of therapeutic interventions. Research suggests that perfectionism is also a factor that is implicated in the lived experiences around race and culture. Relatedly, the social and systemic experiences surrounding race have been found to impact the mental health and wellbeing of People of Colour. Purpose: This study explores experience of perfectionism from the perspective of Therapists of Colour, as a client within their own personal therapy. Moreover, it investigates the therapists experiential learning from this process, as applied to working within their own professional practice. Method: Interpretative phenomenological analysis was utilised to explore the experience of perfectionism within personal therapy, from the perspective of Therapists of Colour. Five semi-structured interviews were conducted with therapists recruited across England. Analysis: Four group experiential themes were derived from the analysis: The pressure to be perfect investigates the challenges of high standards in therapy. The mural of intersectionality and perfectionism, speaks to the intersectional experience of cultural standards, racial stigma, and power, as they influence the presentation of perfectionism within personal therapy. The experience of Personal therapy: A positive shift, explores the benefits of therapy in managing perfectionism. Lastly, Benefits of experience on therapeutic practice presents the practical learning of experiencing perfectionism within personal therapy, and the therapists’ application of this knowledge to their own practice. Implications: The intersectional experiences of race and culture, alongside the associated systemic pressures of racism and social stigma, influence the presentation of perfectionism and impact the relational and power dynamics within personal therapy. Fear of racial criticism, inequalities in power, and a lack of cultural awareness all perpetuate the experience of perfectionism within therapy. This research highlights the importance of cultural awareness in working with People of Colour’s experience of perfectionism. Moreover, anti-oppressive practice is discussed in developing trust and safety towards fostering a constructive therapeutic environment.

Date of Award	6 Jan 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	The University of Manchester
Supervisor	Ola Demkowicz (Supervisor) & Laura Winter (Supervisor)