Overcoming Perfectionism: The Key to a Balanced Recovery (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Perfectionism is a fairly common phenomenon..." (more)
Key Phrases: covert perfectionists, many perfectionists, healthy couples, Higher Power (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Do you have to be perfect to lead a healthy life? Ann Smith discusses how perfectionism may have benefits but is ultimately an obstacle to quality living as it prevents intimacy and lowers self-esteem. This book offers practical hints to letting go of your superhuman syndrome and being imperfect.

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: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #193,942 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #77 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Mental Health > Codependency
  #85 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Relationships > Codependency

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

53 of 57 people found the following review helpful:

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

By A Customer

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.

26 of 28 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

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!

5 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Overcoming perfectionism: The key to balanced recovery, August 13, 2005

By	Lewis D. Gilbert "Tooth Book Worm" (Beckley, WV USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I am obviously struggling with the book as I reread sections to make sure I haven't missed anything! Still fighting that perfect thing.