The ACT Workbook for Perfectionism - by Jennifer Kemp (Paperback)

About the Book

Perfectionism can have a helpful upside when it contributes to achievement and success. But unhelpful perfectionism can prevent us from taking risks or trying new things for fear of failure, judgment, or rejection--and ultimately keep us from reaching our highest goals. The innovative, evidence-based approach in this workbook will help readers struggling with perfectionism maintain their high standards while also accepting their mistakes with compassion and kindness.

Book Synopsis

An innovative approach to help you maintain your high standards while also accepting mistakes with compassion and kindness.

If you're a perfectionist, you know there's a helpful upside to pushing yourself toward excellence: achievement, success--and, hey, it can be fun and rewarding to work hard! But unhelpful perfectionism can just as easily work against you. It can prevent you from taking risks or trying new things out for fear of failure, judgment, or rejection; cause you to procrastinate; and make you feel like no matter what you achieve, you'll never be good enough.

Grounded in evidence-based acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), this workbook will help you discover what drives this 'dark side' of perfectionism, and develop the skills you need to overcome it--without lowering your standards. By leaning in to your values and treating yourself with kindness and compassion, you'll learn to put mistakes in perspective without wallowing in self-criticism. Most importantly, you'll find that you can allow for imperfection, without losing your drive to achieve.

If you're ready to stop unhealthy perfectionism from paralyzing your personal growth--and start embracing yourself as perfectly imperfect--this book will introduce you to a whole new you!

Review Quotes

"At last, a workbook for perfectionists that is practical, heartfelt, and based on the science of ACT. It is packed with practical tools, readings, exercises, and ideas for change. This is a wonderful resource for helping you do the things that really matter, and getting your demanding, critical self-talk out of the driver's seat. It will help you create a life you care about."
--Louise Hayes, PhD, clinical psychologist; and coauthor of The Thriving Adolescent; Your Life, Your Way; and Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life for Teens
--Louise Hayes, PhD

"Do you ever feel trapped in the struggle for perfection? Then this book is for you. Not only is it packed with practical and manageable suggestions on how to take small, imperfect steps toward building a life you love. It teaches you how to no longer be held back by fear of failure, criticism, or unhelpful high standards. I truly love this book. And I am sure you will too."
--Rikke Kjelgaard, licensed psychologist, author, and expert in ACT
--Rikke Kjelgaard

"Hands down the best, most helpful book on perfectionism I've ever encountered. A must-read for anyone looking to escape the cage of self-imposed perfectionistic expectations and behaviors."
--Jill A. Stoddard, PhD, author of Be Mighty, coauthor of The Big Book of ACT Metaphors, and cohost of the Psychologists Off the Clock podcast
--Jill A. Stoddard, PhD

"In The ACT Workbook for Perfectionism, Jennifer Kemp generously offers her expertise alongside her lived experience to lead the reader through a tough but potentially life-changing journey. It empowers readers with the latest scientific approaches for understanding and unwinding the grip of perfectionism, and inspires readers with relatable stories and actionable exercises. Anyone who finds themselves seeing what's 'best' as the only acceptable way forward should pick up this book as a first step in building their best, imperfect life."
--Emily K. Sandoz, PhD, endowed professor of social sciences, and graduate coordinator at University of Louisiana at Lafayette
--Emily K. Sandoz, PhD

"Jennifer Kemp has created a wonderful workbook for those struggling with clinical perfectionism. Using skills from acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), you can learn to use your perfectionism when it works for you, and not be held back by it when it tries to slow you down. Practicing what is in this book can improve your life."
--Michael Twohig, PhD, professor at Utah State University, and coauthor of The Anxious Perfectionist
--Michael Twohig, PhD

"Jennifer Kemp is not perfect, and that makes this book perfect. Her voice is so relatable and honest, it's like a conversation. Drawing on personal and client experience, the book is warm and accessible, whilst also being structured, interactive, and academically impressive. Kemp uses the latest science of behavior change, delivered in an engaging series of exercises and readings, to help you change your own perfectionist habits."
--David Gillanders, head of clinical and health psychology at the University of Edinburgh
--David Gillanders

"Perfectionism can lead to that frozen and self-critical place where individuals feel overwhelmed and unable to move forward. Jennifer Kemp has offered an alternative to this suffering in The ACT Workbook for Perfectionism. She guides readers through a process that is both helpful and compassionate. A fantastic resource for self-guided work in letting go and embracing the imperfect! She has developed this book to support healthy engagement in life."
--Robyn D. Walser, PhD, licensed clinical psychologist; author of The Heart of ACT; and coauthor of Learning ACT, The Mindful Couple, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Trauma-Related Problems, and The ACT Workbook for Anger
--Robyn D. Walser, PhD

"The irony of this book is that it is a perfect workbook to help you reduce your struggle with perfectionism. Jennifer Kemp's gentle voice feels like a warm, compassionate blanket that is there to soothe you and help you to create a kinder relationship with yourself."
--Janina Scarlet, PhD, award-winning author of Superhero Therapy
--Janina Scarlet, PhD

About the Author

Jennifer Kemp, MPsych, is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Adelaide, South Australia. Kemp works with adults and adolescents on issues such as perfectionism, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), eating disorders, and chronic illness. Kemp uses acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to help people notice their experiences, make conscious choices "in the moment," and take action toward a fulfilling life.

Foreword writer Lisa W. Coyne, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and researcher. She is assistant professor at Harvard Medical School/McLean Hospital in the division of child and adolescent psychiatry, where she specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders and OCD.