Overcoming Perfectionism: The Key to a Balanced Recovery [Paperback]

Ann W. Smith (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 1990

Perfectionism can be an obstacle to quality living, even when it appears to produce significant rewards. For those struggling with issues of intimacy, control, letting go, relaxing and enjoying life, this book offers practical guidance about "living in the middle."

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

For nearly 30 years Ann Smith’s clinical focus has been in addictions, family systems and experiential therapy.  She currently operates a private practice group in Harrisburg, PA.

Ann Smith has a Masters Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, and is licensed as both a Professional Counselor and a Marriage and Family Therapist in Pennsylvania.  She is the author of two books titled Grandchildren of Alcoholics: Another Generation of Co-dependency and Overcoming Perfectionism: The Key to a Balanced Recovery.

Product Details

• Paperback: 127 pages
• Publisher: HCI (August 1, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1558741119
• ISBN-13: 978-1558741119
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #307,256 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

85 of 90 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You Shall Overcome!, March 28, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Overcoming Perfectionism: The Key to a Balanced Recovery (Paperback)

I bought this skinny little book years ago and consider it the self-help book for those of us who aren't "that" messed up. Being too hard on myself, demanding too much, had always been a vice. The times I wasn't accomplishing enough, I always felt like I should have been. Overcoming Perfectionism book really helped point out where these feelings came from -- did you know a highly religious upbringing can be "dysfunctional" if it makes you feel bad about who you are? I have made a gift of this book to several people and they appreciated making the leap from present activites to their sources. Ann W. Smith's voice is very positive, readable, and the book contains numerous concrete suggestions for change. It helps you see how good life can be once you show yourself the compassion you give to others and cut yourself some slack.

51 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars After 56 Years, Relief!, March 6, 2005

By 

J. Blair (ALEXANDRIA, VA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Overcoming Perfectionism: The Key to a Balanced Recovery (Paperback)

I've spent the last 56 years engaged in critical self-talk and feeling no matter how much I did, it was never "good enough".
I kept this secret to myself, never telling anyone else, or believing it could change.

Researching my fears on the net, I finally found a name for it -
perfectionism. I didn't know there were two types - external (everything must look perfect) and internal (everything I do must be perfect - I can never be caught making a mistake). I have the internal type.

I then found this book by Ann W. Smith, who I knew of and respected for her work at Caron in PA. As soon as it arrived, I began reading it, and finished it the first day. Every page spoke the truth of my life, and gave me hope for a an end to the suffering.

Last night I discussed my "AHA!" moment with a support group, and was amazed at the percentage of folks who could relate. We were excited to find each other, and relieved to hear that we were not alone.

Right now I'm riding on a pink cloud of HOPE. For the first time, I truly believe things can change.

Ann gives a step-by-step approach to recovery, with descriptions of the time and effort it will take.

A great, life-changing book!

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars life changing...., December 28, 2009

By 

Christa (Chicago, Illinois) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Overcoming Perfectionism: The Key to a Balanced Recovery (Paperback)

Anne Smith's book changed my life, pure and simple. The clear, compassionately expressed information in this short, easily read book helped me to understand myself, others and the way our society works in a way that years of therapy and self searching had not. I highly recommend it, and the Breakthrough at Caron program, for any one who wishes to live life more fully and happily.