A PERFECTIONIST'S GUIDE TO NOT BEING PERFECT

A therapist describes the symptoms and effects of perfectionism and offers a self-help guide to a more balanced approach to life.

Practicing psychologist Zucker, who specializes in anxiety, OCD, and similar concerns, reaches out to perfectionists with helpful information and step-by-step ways to change behavior as a way to change thoughts. Her conversational text conveys sympathy as she explains what perfectionism is, how to recognize it, and why it gets in the way of success. Then she introduces cognitive behavioral therapy and explains how it can be used to challenge perfectionist thinking and behavior. She offers practical examples of ways to step out of one’s comfort zone and practice flexibility. She encourages her readers to make mistakes, pointing out that failures can offer life lessons. Finally she describes techniques for stress management and relaxing the body and mind. Throughout, her examples reflect teen lives today. She reminds her readers that social media images are constructed. She talks about stressors in schoolwork, in sports, and in social life; the problems of hesitation to take chances and overpreparation. From time to time she offers a list of questions or written exercises to help readers evaluate themselves. Each chapter ends with a summary of the major points. Zucker’s real-world experience treating people who struggle with these issues is reflected in her ability to engage with her readers.

Solid advice for teens in need.