Freedom from Perfectionism--New Class by Eating Disorder Psychologist Dr Jennifer Douglas

Looking for amazing resources on perfectionism? Check out Dr. Jennifer Douglas, who has a strong presence on Instagram. She is a clinical psychologist who has worked at some of the top eating disorder treatment centers in the United States, including University of California at San Diego Eating Disorders Center and Stanford University Eating Disorders Program. One thing I really appreciate about Jen is that when helping folks with eating disorders free themselves from perfectionism, she takes a culturally sensitive and social justice approach. She loves working with people of diverse body sizes, genders, religions, abilities, ages, countries of origin, and sexual orientations. She used to live in San Diego and now resides in San Francisco. Perfectionism is a common struggle for people with eating disorders, so her class will be especially helpful for you and your loved ones!

What does perfectionism mean to you?

Perfectionism is characterized by a constant drive. We all want to work hard at things that matter to us, but with perfectionism, there is a relentlessness of expectations; an idea that we always have to be overachieving in all areas, otherwise we are fundamentally failing.

What are the challenges that many perfectionists face?

Although perfectionists tend to excel at achievements and publicly sanctioned milestones (such as getting into a great school, getting the good job, being in a relationship), they often struggle when they wake up and do not enjoy the life they have created. Often perfectionists build the life that was expected of them, rather than the life that they truly want. There is often a characteristic of "never enough" in a perfectionist's life. As soon as they hit one goal, it is on to the next.

I know you have a background in eating disorder treatment. How did you decided to do a course on perfectionism?

I originally came to study psychology because of my interest in disordered eating. After I was in graduate school and in fellowship, I began to truly understand the role of trauma in developing disordered eating. And when I started to clinically treat individuals with disordered eating, history of trauma, and anxiety, often the underlying thread was perfectionism. In addition, individuals who do not have diagnosed psychological difficulties may develop and struggle with perfectionism as it's often reinforced in our society.

Would people with eating disorders who also struggle with perfectionism benefit from this course?

Anyone who struggles with perfectionism would benefit from this course. Individuals with eating disorders who struggle with self-acceptance may find it particularly validating and helpful.

You offer a scholarship option for BIPOC individuals. How does your passion for social justice inform the perfectionism course?

Perfectionism is often born out of necessity. Many of us developed perfectionism because there were high expectations from our families. We see this pattern often in immigrant families and BIPOC families because of the necessity to be "twice as good" as their cis-het-white counterparts in order to obtain the same achievements. Even though a course on perfectionism can't solve the greater injustices in our work and academic systems, it's important to be to have teachings on how we can accept ourselves and our own imperfections even when we must operate inside these unfair systems.

How can people find out more about the course and contact you?

Anyone can join the waitlist for the course at drjenniferdouglas.com/course-waitlist. I can be found on Instagram @drjenofficial.

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Hey everyone, I really appreciate you reading my blog!  Have a wonderful day. :)  

Marianne 

If you are struggling to find online eating disorder treatment with help with bulimia, binge eating or other eating disorders in San Diego, schedule a free, 15-minute phone consultation using the online scheduler (just click on the orange button), and I will help you get where you need to be! 

You can find more information about me on Instagram @drmariannemiller or on my Facebook page.