Perfectionism, or the tendency to demand or require perfection for oneself or others can be seen as an attempt to gain acceptance and avoid rejection or abandonment. Simultaneously, however, perfectionism can interfere with the establishment and maintenance of interpersonal connections and close relationships. Although perfectionism develops in a relational context, the impact it has on other behaviors can result in the fear of being criticized or judged. Effective therapists must acknowledge these nuances and work with the client to explore components of the client's perfectionism, while...

Emotional pain experienced by a client, whether it is loneliness, sadness, shame and fear, for example, are responses to an injury that prevents or violates the fulfillment of the basic human need to be loved, feel safe, and be acknowledged. Dr. Ladisav Timulak presents his therapeutic approach as a treatment designed to emphasize the importance of attending to distress rather than avoiding or suppressing it. The approach focuses on helping the client to stay with, rather than avoid, their painful emotional experiences. Identifying the triggers of difficult emotional experiences,...

People who experience traumatic events often report a subsequent loss of a sense of meaning in their lives. When working with a client who has suffered trauma, paying attention to meaning not only identifies any damaged beliefs, values, or goals, but also highlights the strengths and social support that will help rebuild the client's sense of meaning. In Trauma and Meaning, Dr. Jeanne M. Slattery demonstrates her meaning-making approach with a woman who has experienced loss and violence in her life. Watch as Dr. Slattery first creates a place of safety for the client, allowing her to tell...