Understanding Perfectionism

Perfectionism is a multifaceted concept that can significantly influence various aspects of our lives. It generally refers to the relentless pursuit of flawlessness and a high-performance standard, accompanied by a critical self-evaluation. While it might sound commendable to aim for perfection, it often stems from deeper psychological processes. Imagine this scenario: you're preparing for a presentation at work.

You meticulously draft your slides, rehearse your delivery, and even fine-tune how you look. On one hand, this attention to detail fuels your ambition and helps you achieve good results. On the other hand, if you find yourself stressing over every minor detail—changing the font for the fifth time because it's not ‘just right’—that’s when perfectionism becomes problematic. Some key aspects to consider in understanding perfectionism include:

Self-Motivation: Many perfectionists are high achievers. Your ambition and drive push you to seek excellence in your work and personal endeavours.

Critical Nature: On the flip side, perfectionism often leads to harsh self-criticism when standards aren't met. Instead of viewing mistakes as a part of the learning process, they can feel like catastrophic failures.

Understanding these elements can help you navigate your journey and assess how perfectionism influences your thoughts and behaviours.

Types of Perfectionism

Perfectionism is not a one-size-fits-all trait; it comes in various forms, each with nuances and implications. Theorists and researchers suggest there are two types of perfectionism —adaptive (helpful) and maladaptive (unhelpful).

Adaptive (Helpful) Perfectionism

Adaptive perfectionism has been shown to be associated with healthy traits such as:

• Self-Drive: You set high goals and are determined to reach them. This trait can lead to significant achievements in both your personal and professional life.

• Organisational Skills: You are organised and proactive, which helps you manage tasks effectively. Whether it’s maintaining a calendar or keeping a tidy workspace, being organised in different aspects of your life can lead to success.

• High Standards: Striving for excellence allows you to produce quality work. It doesn't mean you avoid mistakes; instead, you view them as opportunities for growth.

For instance, consider a university student who aims for straight A’s. If they enjoy learning and treat grades as a reflection of their understanding rather than a judgment of their worth, their perfectionism is adaptive. They can hold themselves accountable while still allowing room for error and improvement.

Maladaptive (Unhelpful) Perfectionism

Maladaptive perfectionism, on the other hand, can be emotionally distressing and manifests in more harmful behaviours and thoughts:

• Unrealistic Expectations: Setting unattainably high standards can lead to feelings of inadequacy and frustration. Instead of motivating you, it creates an atmosphere of constant pressure.

• Excessive Listing and Checking: The need for everything to be "perfect" can lead to compulsive behaviours, such as spending inordinate amounts of time on simple tasks or excessively reviewing work.

• Self-Criticism: This perfectionism is often marked by being overly critical of oneself and others. It can result in strained relationships,  heightened feelings of stress, anxiety or depression, and impact how one feels about themselves.

For instance, a professional who spends hours revising a simple email to ensure no mistakes may miss deadlines. The stress of not achieving perfection leads to reduced productivity.

Recognising Your Perfectionist Tendencies

To understand whether your perfectionism is adaptive or maladaptive, consider asking yourself these questions:

• Do I often feel dissatisfied with my performance, no matter how well I do?

• Am I overly critical when I make mistakes?

• Do I often procrastinate because I'm afraid of not meeting my standards?

• How do I react when I, or someone else, make an error?

Recognising these tendencies can provide insight into how perfectionism is affecting your life.

The Dual Nature of Perfectionism

In summary, perfectionism is a complex trait with positive and negative implications. While adaptive perfectionism can inspire you to achieve and push your limits, maladaptive perfectionism can hinder your well-being and quality of life. Understanding these distinctions is vital in creating a healthy relationship with your ambitions and expectations.

By reflecting on your tendencies and acknowledging the dual nature of perfectionism, you can begin to navigate the fine line between striving for excellence and maintaining your mental well-being. This awareness is a pivotal step toward achieving a balanced approach to your aspirations, ultimately leading you to a healthier mindset as you pursue your goals.

The Benefits of High Standards

As we transition from understanding the nuances of perfectionism to acknowledging that the quest for high standards is not inherently harmful, we must recognise that striving for excellence (rather than perfection) can be a powerful motivator in various aspects of life. High standards can lead to remarkable achievements and personal growth when balanced with self-compassion. Let's explore how motivation, drive, achievement, and success play a significant role in this equation.

Motivation and Drive

When you set high standards for yourself, motivation and drive often follow suit. This relentless pursuit of excellence can fuel your ambition and inspire you to take action. Think about it: when you have a clear vision of what you want to achieve, it can feel easier to muster the enthusiasm and energy needed to reach your goals.

Intrinsic Motivation: High standards often stem from a desire to improve oneself. When you aim for excellence in your chosen field—academics, career, or personal endeavours—you engage deeply in activities that resonate with your values. For example, a student passionate about science might dedicate countless hours to conducting experiments—not just for grades but to unlock the mysteries of nature.

Goal Setting: The act of setting ambitious goals propels you forward. Whether it’s aiming for a promotion at work or preparing for a marathon, high standards can act as a catalyst for change. Setting these challenging objectives can keep your determination alive, pushing you to learn new skills and expand your capabilities.

Resilience in the Face of Challenges: Pursuing high standards teaches resilience. You might face obstacles, setbacks, or inevitable failures along the way. However, viewing these moments as opportunities for growth rather than definitive judgments of your worth can significantly enhance your perseverance. For instance, if you stumble during a presentation, embracing it as a learning moment propels you to prepare even better for the next time.

Seeing difficulties and setbacks as an opportunity for growth does not mean these experiences aren’t stressful or challenging. Giving yourself permission to learn from setbacks can help you cope with these struggles without being self-critical.

Achievement and Success

The link between high standards and achievement is undeniable. Setting the bar high can lead to personal and professional accomplishments. 

Quality over Quantity: When you pursue high standards, the focus shifts towards quality. This behaviour often results in producing work that stands out from the crowd. For instance, think about an artist who spends countless hours perfecting their craft—every brushstroke is intentional and well-thought-out. This dedication shines through in the final piece, making it a source of pride and accomplishment.

Recognition and Opportunities: High achievers are often recognised and rewarded for their efforts. The more you excel in your pursuits, the more opportunities arise. This recognition serves as encouragement to continue pushing your limits. Consider a software engineer who continuously refines their skills and delivers outstanding projects—their work catches the attention of industry leaders, leading to promotions or new job offers.

Building Self-Esteem: Nothing boosts confidence quite like achieving something you’ve worked hard for. When you set high standards and reach them, it enhances your self-esteem. You start believing in your capabilities, further motivating you to tackle even more ambitious goals. For example, successfully running your first half-marathon might inspire you to train for a full marathon, setting a new standard for your physical fitness.

The Balance of High Standards and Self-Compassion

While striving for excellence yields significant benefits, it's vital to recognise the critical role of balancing these high standards with self-compassion.

Accepting Imperfection: High standards should not lead you to crippling self-criticism. Acknowledging that nobody is perfect allows room for errors and growth, essential for long-term achievement.

Utilising High Standards for Positive Growth: Approach challenges with an open mind. Instead of fearing failure, consider it a stepping stone toward your subsequent success. As you cultivate a healthier mindset about your expectations, the motivation and drive you feel in pursuing high standards might evolve into sources of joy instead of stress.

In Conclusion

Embracing high standards can lead to incredible motivation and success, however, it is important to balance these goals with self-compassion. It's not just about the destination but also about enjoying the journey and recognising your progress. By setting ambitious goals and nurturing your ambitions, you can achieve remarkable feats while cultivating a kind and forgiving attitude toward yourself.

Remember, the goal of pursuing high standards should enhance your life positively, stimulating growth and fulfilment without succumbing to the toxicity of unrealistic expectations. By aligning your motivation with self-care and appreciation for your efforts—regardless of the outcomes—you create a pathway to genuine achievement, success, and personal satisfaction.

The Downside of Perfectionism

Having understood the potential benefits and motivations spawned by high standards, it is equally important to acknowledge the darker aspects of perfectionism. Striving for perfection can spiral into an overwhelming burden, leading to significant mental health challenges, which could impact other life domains such as relationship, sleep and overall wellbeing.

Negative Impact on Mental Health

Perfectionism may initially seem helpful, but it can come with hidden costs to your mental health. The relentless pursuit of flawlessness can lead to a variety of psychological issues, including anxiety, depression, and burnout.

• The Cycle of Anxiety: When you set unrealistic expectations for yourself, the fear of falling short can loom constantly. Picture a professional who feels compelled to exceed every expectation at work. Rather than providing motivation, the constant pressure can morph into anxiety-inducing thoughts: “What if my report isn’t perfect?” or “What if I miss an important detail?”

• The Weight of Self-Criticism: Those who hold themselves to excessively high standards tend to engage in negative self-talk when they perceive shortcomings. It’s not uncommon for perfectionists to dismiss their accomplishments completely. Imagine finishing a project at work that meets the minimum requirements but not the "ideal" standards set in your head. Instead of celebrating the completion, you might focus solely on what could have been better.

• Burnout: The daily exhausting endeavour of maintaining high standards can eventually lead to burnout. Countless studies have shown a correlation between perfectionism and the experience of burnout, particularly among parents who juggle multiple roles and expectations. For instance, a perfectionist parent may constantly reevaluate their parenting style, leading to exhaustion from community pressures and personal expectations.

• Connection to Mental Health Disorders: Research has shown that perfectionism is linked to various mental health issues, including anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and depression. A meta-analysis of psychology literature has even demonstrated that perfectionistic tendencies can exacerbate the severity of these conditions.

Recognising these downstream effects of perfectionism is vital for anyone striving for self-improvement. If you find yourself caught in the cycle of self-criticism and anxiety, it might be time to reassess your expectations and incorporate strategies to foster a healthier mindset.

Relationship with Others

The impact of perfectionism does not stop at the individual level; it can spill over into our relationships, complicating interactions with family, friends, and coworkers. Perfectionism can introduce friction and resentment into our connections, making it challenging to relate to others.

High Expectations of Others: Perfectionists can set lofty standards for themselves and often project these ideals onto those around them. These high expectations can lead to overly critical behaviour directed at family members, friends, or coworkers. For instance, if a perfectionist expects their partner to maintain the same level of organisation or commitment to excellence, that partner may feel stifled and unappreciated, even if they are doing their best.

Strained Relationships: Perfectionism can create a barrier to genuine connection. It may cause you to overlook the qualities and contributions of others. If you're constantly measuring their performance against unrealistic standards, you might miss out on appreciating their unique strengths and perspectives. This "comparison trap" can breed resentment and damage bonds.

Social Withdrawal: Difficulties with perfectionism may lead to fear of judgment for perceived inadequacies and possible withdrawal from social interactions altogether. The fear of being "found out" as imperfect can lead to isolation. You might avoid social gatherings, fearing that your flaws will be displayed. This withdrawal can create a vicious cycle of loneliness, reinforcing feelings of inadequacy and disconnection.

Finding Relief from the Downsides of Perfectionism

Recognising the harmful effects of perfectionism may inspire you to take action. Here are some techniques to help mitigate these impacts on your mental health and relationships:

Practice Mindful Awareness: Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings, especially when you notice perfectionistic patterns. When that critical voice arises, pause and reflect on whether these expectations genuinely serve you.

Urge Balance in Goal Setting: Create a healthy list of achievable goals and tasks. Recognise that “done” is often better than “perfect,” and allow flexibility in your task approach. Strive for excellence and not perfection.

Embrace Imperfection in Relationships: Recognize that every relationship, like every individual, has imperfections. Learn to appreciate the uniqueness and flaws of others rather than imposing your standards.

Seek Professional Support: If perfectionism significantly impacts your mental health and relationships, consider consulting with a mental health professional. They may be able to help you build healthier thought patterns, find ways to address and challenge perfectionistic behaviours, and/or identify coping strategies tailored to your needs.

The unhelpful side of perfectionism is pertinent to your well-being and connections with others. By recognising its negative impact on mental health and relationships, you can begin to take steps towards a more balanced and compassionate approach to living.

Embracing your imperfections can cultivate deeper relationships and foster a holistic sense of self-worth, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling life. The journey toward balance and connection begins with acknowledging the downsides and actively working to transform your perspectives.

Finding the Balance

While high standards can motivate us to perform at our best, they can also lead to stress, anxiety, and burnout when unrealistic. As we delve deeper into this topic, we'll explore two strategies to help you achieve this equilibrium: setting realistic goals and embracing mistakes.

Setting Realistic Goals

Setting realistic and achievable goals is a critical element of managing perfectionism. Unrealistic expectations set you up for disappointment and create unnecessary pressure. Adopting a more sensible approach to goal-setting ensures that your objectives are motivating rather than stifling.

Assess Your Current Situation: Before embarking on your ambitious plans, take a moment to assess your circumstances and capabilities. Consider factors such as your daily schedule, resources, and overall well-being. For instance, if you’re a busy parent with work obligations, setting a goal of exercising every day for an hour may not be feasible. Instead, a more realistic target could be to aim for three 30-minute weekly workouts.

Break it Down: Rather than setting one overwhelming goal, break it down into smaller, manageable milestones. This strategy makes the process less intimidating and allows for small victories. For example, if your ultimate aim is to run a marathon, start by committing to running for just ten minutes each day. Gradually increase your time as you build endurance, celebrating each step towards your larger goal.

Use the SMART Framework: One effective way to ensure your goals are realistic is to use the SMART criteria: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Let’s unpack that a bit:

• Specific: Clearly define what you want to achieve. Instead of saying, "I want to be fit," articulate, "I want to run 5 kilometres without stopping."

• Measurable: Determine how you'll track your progress. For example, you could measure your running distance each week.

• Achievable: Set a challenging yet attainable goal. While aiming high is essential, it shouldn't feel impossible.

• Relevant: Ensure your goals align with your values and aspirations.

• Time-bound: Give yourself a deadline to create a sense of urgency. For example, "I want to achieve this in three months."

Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge and celebrate every little victory you experience. If you managed to run an extra five minutes during your workout or attended all your planned fitness classes for the week, give yourself credit. Recognising progress can reinforce a positive mindset and motivate you to keep going.

As you begin to set realistic goals, remember that the emphasis should always be on balance. You can be ambitious while being kind to yourself and acknowledging the journey ahead.

Embracing Mistakes

Another vital aspect of finding balance in pursuing perfectionism is embracing mistakes. Many perfectionists dread making errors, often viewing them as catastrophic failures. However, reframing your mindset to see mistakes as opportunities for growth can be extremely helpful in overcoming the detrimental effects of perfectionism.

Shift Your Perspective: Instead of viewing mistakes as evidence of inadequacy, recognise that they are an inherent part of the learning process. Everyone makes mistakes, including successful professionals, athletes, and artists. Take the time to reflect on a personal anecdote: perhaps you’ve experienced a situation where you stumbled during a presentation at work. Instead of meditating on it, consider what you learned from the experience. Did you discover something about how you communicate that you can improve for next time?

Practice Self-Compassion: When faced with a setback, practice self-compassion. You are likely your own worst critic, and treating yourself with kindness can make a significant difference. Rather than berating yourself for not achieving perfection, ask: “What would I tell a friend in this situation?” You’d likely encourage them to learn from the experience and to be kind to themselves. Bring that same energy to your self-talk.

Use Mistakes as Learning Tools: When encountering obstacles, maintain a mindset of curiosity. Instead of fearing mistakes, ask yourself what insights they can provide. For example, if a workout didn’t go as planned, analyse what factors contributed to this. Was it fatigue? Did you not fuel properly beforehand? Leveraging this information can help you make adjustments and ultimately improve your performance in the future.

Normalise Setbacks: Understand that setbacks are a natural part of any journey, including your fitness or professional pursuits. Normalise the idea that not achieving perfection in each endeavour doesn't diminish your worth. You are not defined by the mistakes you make; instead, it's how you respond that shapes your character.

Reflect and Reset: After experiencing a significant mistake or setback, take some time to reflect. Journal about the experience, noting your feelings, insights, and any shifts in perspective. This reflective practice may allow you to reset your intentions moving forward, helping you approach future challenges with resilience.

As you navigate your path, embracing the possibility of imperfection opens the door to personal growth and resilience. With each step you take toward self-acceptance and recognising that mistakes are part of the journey, you can create a healthier relationship with your goals.

Finding balance in perfectionism requires realistic goal-setting and a willingness to embrace mistakes. By focusing on achievable objectives and viewing errors as opportunities for growth, you can cultivate a more enjoyable, productive, and compassionate experience in your personal and professional endeavours.

Ultimately, remember that life is a continuous learning journey. It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress, growth, and the effort you put forth. Applying these strategies and being kind to yourself can foster a mindset that appreciates the road travelled, imperfections and all.

Developing Self-Compassion

As we navigate the complexities of perfectionism, a vital piece of the puzzle is developing self-compassion. Embracing self-compassion allows us to combat the harshness of perfectionist tendencies and cultivate a more nurturing relationship with ourselves. Integrating self-acceptance and self-kindness into our lives can foster a healthier mindset that enhances our well-being. This section will explore how you can effectively practice self-acceptance and cultivate self-kindness to develop greater self-compassion.

Practising Self-Acceptance

Self-acceptance is the cornerstone of self-compassion. It involves recognising your worth, regardless of your perceived flaws or shortcomings. When you accept yourself fully, you pave the way to a more loving and forgiving relationship with yourself.

Acknowledge Your Humanity: Start by recognising that everyone has imperfections—a fundamental part of being human. Accepting your flaws releases the pressure to live up to an unattainable ideal. For instance, if you struggle with a particular skill, remember that everyone has unique strengths and weaknesses. It’s okay not to be perfect.

Reflect on Your Achievements: Often, perfectionists fixate on what they haven’t achieved instead of celebrating their successes. Take time to reflect on your accomplishments, no matter how small. Consider a project you completed, a personal challenge you overcame, or a sincere effort in building relationships. Keep a journal to record these achievements to remind yourself of your growth.

Create Positive Affirmations: Incorporate positive self-affirmations into your daily routine. Phrases such as "I am worthy of love and respect" or "I accept myself as I am" can gradually shift your mindset. Display these affirmations in your workspace or home to serve as daily reminders. Consider writing them in a mirror to affirm them while getting ready each day.

Limit Comparison: In our hyper-connected world, comparing yourself with others is almost inevitable. However, consciously aim to limit these comparisons. Social media can amplify feelings of inadequacy when encountering curated highlights of others' lives. Focus on your journey rather than how you measure up to others. Remember, you are on a unique path, and everyone's journey unfolds at its own pace.

Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness plays a significant role in fostering self-acceptance. Being present and aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgment allows you to observe your inner critic without becoming overwhelmed. When you notice self-critical thoughts arising, take a step back, breathe deeply, and acknowledge those feelings without attaching a narrative. This process creates space for acceptance rather than resistance.

Self-acceptance isn’t a destination but rather a continuous journey. Each day presents growth opportunities, allowing you to deepen your understanding and acceptance of who you are as an individual.

Cultivating Self-Kindness

Once you have laid the groundwork for self-acceptance, the next vital step is cultivating self-kindness. Being kind to yourself means treating yourself with the same compassion and understanding you would offer a friend or loved one in times of struggle.

Shift Your Self-Talk: Pay attention to your language when talking to yourself. Is it harsh or critical? When you notice negative self-talk, reframe it with more compassionate language. For instance, instead of saying, "I can't believe I messed that up," consider rephrasing it to, "It’s okay; I tried my best, and I can learn from this experience." Over time, transforming your internal dialogue fosters a kinder self-perception.

Be Your Support System: In challenging moments, imagine how you would comfort a friend going through similar struggles. What would you say to encourage them? Apply that same level of empathy to yourself. Acknowledging your hardships and validating your feelings creates a supportive inner environment.

Allow for Imperfection: Understand that making mistakes is inherent to personal growth. Embrace imperfection as part of the learning journey. For example, if your workout didn’t go as planned, instead of being critical, acknowledge that fitness is a lifelong commitment involving ups and downs. Celebrate the effort you put in rather than fixating on the outcome.

Engage in Self-Care: Prioritizing self-care is integral to cultivating self-kindness. Make space for activities that bring you joy, relaxation, and fulfilment. Whether it's a relaxing bath, a walk in nature, or an evening reading, take the time to recharge. Self-care shows that you value your well-being and recognise the importance of nurturing yourself.

Practical Strategies to Foster Self-Kindness

Here are some practical strategies to help you cultivate self-kindness in your daily life:

Know Your Triggers: Recognise situations or events that trigger self-critical thoughts. When you identify these patterns, you can proactively engage in self-kindness practices in those moments, easing the impact of perfectionistic pressure.

Create a Self-Compassion Toolbox: Assemble a collection of activities or exercises that make you feel good when experiencing self-doubt or negativity. These activities include listening to uplifting music, indulging in creative pursuits, or reading positive quotes. Having a "toolbox" at the ready helps combat the inner critic when it arises.

Engage in Compassionate Meditation: Incorporating self-compassionate practices, such as loving-kindness meditation, can significantly enhance feelings of kindness toward yourself. This practice involves sending love and compassion to yourself, which helps reinforce positive emotions and self-acceptance.

Seek Support from Others: Surround yourself with supportive individuals who encourage and uplift your self-worth. Sharing your experiences with trusted friends or family can help you gain perspective and reinforce your self-kindness journey.

Developing self-compassion through self-acceptance and self-kindness can be extremely helpful  in overcoming the negative aspects of perfectionism. You can foster a healthier mindset that nurtures personal growth by recognising your worth, embracing your humanity, and treating yourself compassionately.

Remember, cultivating self-compassion is a gradual process. Be patient with yourself and acknowledge your efforts along the way. As you embrace this journey, you might find that self-compassion enhances your relationship with yourself and spills over into your interactions with others, enriching your life in countless positive ways.

Meet Your Clinical Psychologists In Newcastle

Dr Emma Doolan is a Clinical Psychologist based in Newcastle. With a collaborative and evidence-based approach, she helps clients overcome various challenges such as anxiety, depression, stress, and trauma. 

Emma is experienced in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and other modalities like schema therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and compassion-focused therapy. She holds a PhD in clinical psychology and has completed her registration as a clinical psychologist from AHPRA. Emma is a member of several professional associations, including ACPA, APS, AACBT, and APN.

Paige Cornell is a clinical psychologist in Newcastle who has experience in therapeutic modalities such as Motivational Interviewing, CBT, Schema Therapy, DBT, and ACT. She focuses on building a solid therapeutic relationship and tailoring treatment to each individual. Paige has experience in private practice, NGOs, and forensic settings. 

She works with a diverse range of mental health issues, including anxiety, mood disorders, PTSD, relationship problems, substance abuse, and offending behaviours. Paige is particularly interested in helping LGBTQI+ individuals and those dealing with trauma and substance abuse. She is fully registered and endorsed as a clinical psychologist and a board-approved supervisor for psychologists. Paige is a member of ACPA and APS, holding a Master's in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor's in Psychological Science (Honours).

Taylah Armstrong is a Clinical Psychologist in Newcastle. She focuses on developing solid therapeutic relationships to assist individuals in enhancing their well-being and achieving their goals. Taylah is skilled in treating various concerns such as anxiety, stress, mood disorders, trauma, and eating disorders. 

She utilises evidence-based therapies like CBT, DBT, and ACT. Taylah has worked in public healthcare, primary care, and education sectors. She is fully registered and endorsed as a clinical psychologist by AHPRA and holds a Master's and Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Newcastle.

Paige Whitfield is a clinical psychologist in Newcastle with experience in private and public health settings. She collaborates with health professionals, families, and schools to provide evidence-based treatments like CBT, Narrative Therapy, and ACT for various issues. Paige has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology (Honours) and a Master's in Clinical Psychology. She is fully registered and endorsed as a clinical psychologist and is a member of APS and ACPA.

Dr Kaitlin Fitzgerald is a clinical psychologist in Newcastle who takes a collaborative and client-centred approach to therapy. She creates a warm and relaxed environment for clients, aiming to make therapy sessions comfortable and even enjoyable. Kaitlin holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) from the University of Newcastle. In addition to her private practice at ELD Psychology, she also works in public mental health treating adults with various mental health issues. 

Kaitlin has experience working with a wide range of concerns, such as anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties. She is skilled in evidence-based therapies like CBT, Schema Therapy, DBT, and ACT. Kaitlin is fully registered as a clinical psychologist with AHPRA and is approved to supervise provisional and registered psychologists.

Eliza Newton is a person-centred Clinical Psychologist dedicated to helping clients explore their deeper selves. She tailors her approach to each client, using psychodynamic therapy for self-exploration or structured techniques like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, and Schema Therapy. Eliza focuses on individuals overcoming childhood trauma, including Complex PTSD, and helps those with ADHD develop organisational and emotional well-being strategies. With experience in private practice, inpatient settings, and psychiatric rehabilitation, she addresses challenges from anxiety and mood disorders to severe mental illness.

Eliza holds a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) from the University of Newcastle and a Master of Clinical Psychology from Western Sydney University. She is registered as a Clinical Psychologist with AHPRA and is a member of AAPi and ACPA.

Disclaimer

The content provided on this blog is intended for Australian audiences and is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered as professional psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information shared here is based on general knowledge and experience in the field of psychology, but it may not be applicable to your specific situation.

Always seek the advice of your psychologist or other qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a psychological condition or treatment. Never disregard professional psychological advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog.

If you are in crisis or you think you may have an emergency, call your doctor, or dial 000 immediately. This blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

The opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of any affiliated organisations or institutions.