Description

Break free of toxic perfectionism by cultivating emotional courage and self-compassion to face life's challenges with a 6-step program.

In today’s high-pressure society, we are constantly fed a fable of individualism, exceptionalism, determination, and ingenuity, and taught a mythology of grin and bear it, no pain no gain, and hard work pays off, despite the fact that the conditions for success are unpredictable and ever changing. 

Psychologist Tara Cousineau claims that perfectionism is a paradox: It is the tension created by the need for belonging, a desire for excellence, and a quest for a meaningful and productive life. But perfectionism can be transformed by learning to connect both head and heart, replacing inner algorithms of comparison and criticism with self-acceptance and self-compassion.

In The Perfectionist’s Dilemma, Cousineau introduces an innovative six-step solution based on the acronym EVOLVE:

• Embody the present moment.
• Validate your experience.
• Open your heart.
• Love your inner critic.
• Make a Vow
• Spark Energies of excellence

About the Author

Tara Cousineau, PhD, is a clinical psychologist, staff psychologist at Harvard University's Counseling and Mental Health Services, and author of The Kindness Cure: How the Science of Compassion Can Heal Your Heart and Your World (New Harbinger Publications 2018). She is professionally trained in mind-body medicine, mindfulness, mindful self-compassion, and innovative psychological methods, including energy psychology and Internal Family Systems. Learn more at www.taracousineau.com.