How Somatic Therapy San Francisco Can Help You Overcome Perfectionism
What is perfectionism? Perfectionism can be defined as “n. the tendency to demand of others or of oneself an extremely high or even flawless level of performance, in excess of what is required by the situation. It is associated with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and other mental health problems. —perfectionist adj., n. (defined by the American Psychological Association).
As the American Psychological Association notes, perfectionism is often associated with mental health disorders such as eating disorders, anxiety, and depression. But why is that? When we demand nothing less than perfection for ourselves, we create a great deal of stress in our bodies and also don’t allow for flexibility and creativity that may allow us to pivot if an obstacle is on our way.
Somatic therapy San Francisco is a holistic means to help people explore their relationship with perfectionism and change it. Since perfectionism can affect all areas of life, how a person relates to their body may also illuminate perfectionistic tendencies. We can use the body to connect and heal and find new ways to cope with life and shed the perfectionistic tendencies that, ironically, may be holding us back.
Understanding Perfectionism
Perfectionism often occurs as a means to cope with the world. By doing everything “perfect,” the unconscious thought is that we can avoid all anxiety, disappointment, shame, or sadness. Brene Brown notes that perfectionism can serve as armor against shame. If we experience shame or any other negative emotions in our quest to be perfect, our perfectionistic brain simply states that we weren’t perfect enough, which creates a self-perpetuating cycle.
Some common signs of perfectionism can be: fear of failure, procrastination, and intense self-criticism. People who suffer from perfectionism often fear not achieving their goals and will delay starting things or trying new activities or projects that they may fail. In the mind of a perfectionist, it is better to not try at all than to try and not be great at something. Perfectionists also have highly negative thoughts that continually run through their heads, criticizing their every move.
Unfortunately, living with constant negative thoughts and fear of failure takes a toll on a person’s body. People with perfectionism feel a great deal of fear and anxiety, although the actual threat or danger is amplified by their own mind. They may have a near constant state of flight, fight, or freeze and be unable to relax out of fear of making a mistake.
The Mind-Body Connection: Why Perfectionism Isn't Just Mental
As mentioned before, how we cope with our emotions shows in our bodies, in particular in how we move. How we move serves as a metaphor for how we handle the world. Our movement patterns can trace a direct line to how we deal with emotions. Someone with perfectionism would have a specific movement pattern that a somatic therapist, particularly a dance therapist, can identify. But beyond that, the constant state of nervous system dysregulation that perfectionists experience can have real repercussions—— chronic pain and illness result from continuous stress. It is important to address perfectionism by helping the body to feel safe. If the body can start to feel safe, healing from perfectionism can begin.
What is Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy refers to any therapy that uses the body in a capacity to help heal the mind. Therapeutic modalities may include dance therapy, somatic experiencing, dynamic attachment repatterning . . ..to name a few. In San Francisco there is more interest in somatic therapy as people are looking for ways to heal besides traditional talk therapy.
Somatic therapy involves movement and breathwork and dance therapy, which is a type of somatic therapy, involves changing a person’s movement patterns to help them live in the world. The movement patterns that we change are not just movement patterns that we have when we dance but movement patterns when we exhibit when we are going about our day e.g. how we walk, gesture, connect with others, through movement, etc.
Dance therapy allows clients to explore movement in a non-judgmental environment and try new things without any repercussions. Clients can explore their fear of failure and of trying something new and learn that if they change how they move, their world will not fall apart. The therapist serves to help validate and illuminate their changing way of moving in their environment.
Why Choose Somatic Therapy in San Francisco for Perfectionism?
San Francisco is a city that prides itself on innovation and open-mindedness in all spheres and mental health is no exception. Creative arts therapies such as music, art, and dance therapy are available here as well as other somatic therapies. Somatic therapy San Francisco helps high-achieving, perfectionist clients connect with their bodies and learn how to feel safe enough to let go of their critical thinking and quest for perfectionism. By using body-based practice to build a new relationship with their body, a client will build self-compassion which fosters resilience. When a client is able to cultivate a sense of being enough, they will be able to tune into their authentic sense of self and creativity.
Tips for Finding the Right Somatic Therapist in San Francisco
In a city full of options for somatic therapy providers, it may feel overwhelming to try and choose a qualified professional. There are several things to consider when picking a somatic therapist. The first is to find someone who is licensed mental health provider such as a licensed professional clinical counselor, licensed clinical social worker, or licensed marriage and family therapist. The second is to find a licensed mental health provider who also has training as a somatic therapist, whether that is dance therapy, somatic experiencing, dynamic attachment repatterning, or any other method. Makes sure to ask what specific trainings the therapist has taken and from whom.
Here are several directories of somatic therapists:
Board Certified Dance Therapists: https://www.adta.org/find-a-dmt#/
Dynamic Attachment Repatterning: https://traumasolutions.com/find-a-dare-practitioner-directory/
Lastly, perfectionism can stop you from leading your best life and somatic therapy has the tools to help overcome perfectionism through using the mind-body connection. It is important to let go of perfectionism in order to reduce the risk of anxiety and depression, as well as other chronic health conditions. If you're ready to break free from the cycle of perfectionism that limits you, somatic therapy San Francisco could be your path to a more joyful, embodied life. Please email me at lisa@lisamanca.com today to find lasting ways to change your perfectionism.
Resources:
American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Apa Dictionary of Psychology. American Psychological Association. https://dictionary.apa.org/perfectionism
Brown, B. (2012). Daring greatly: how the courage to be vulnerable transforms the way we live, love, parent, and lead. Gotham Books.