7 research outputs found
Pastoral care for shame-based perfectionism
While perfectionism has been associated with guilt dynamics, the form of perfectionism that is most frequently discussed by psychologists is connected to self-condemnation for perceived failures to reach the high standard set for personal achievement. There is therefore a strong link between perfectionism and inferiority shame. Psychotherapists have given quite a bit of attention to shame-based perfectionism; it has been largely neglected by pastoral psychologists. Three approaches to the pastoral care of shame-based perfectionism are developed. The first approach is based in cognitive therapy. It is argued that perfectionism is grounded in a faulty core belief about the selfโnamely, โI am what I achieve.โ The second method makes use of strategies developed by John Bradshaw for accepting and affirming all oneโs sub-selves. Bradshawโs approach is critiqued, however, for the way in which shame-based and guilt-based perfectionism are confused. The third method is a modification and adaptation of Heinz Kohutโs strategy of โmirroringโ (empathy, admiration, and approval) that he developed for use in work with clients with narcissistic personality disorder