E36. Breaking Free from Perfectionism: The Art of Self-Compassion and Happy Achievement with Dr. Tara Cousineau

Do you constantly feel like you're never quite good enough, no matter how much you achieve? Is your inner critic running the show, leaving you burnt out and overwhelmed in your pursuit of excellence?In this compelling episode, host Kayla M. Sweet speaks with clinical psychologist, perfectionism recovery coach, and author Dr. Tara Cousineau, PhD, about the hidden toll perfectionism takes on wellbeing and self-worth. Drawing from her powerful book, The Perfectionist’s Dilemma: Learn the Art of Self-Compassion and Become a Happy Achiever, Tara shares how perfectionism often stems not from ambition, but from deep needs for acceptance, safety, and approval. Kayla and Tara explore how perfectionism can become an exhausting cycle that prevents people from experiencing joy, rest, and genuine success.Tara explains the three primary types of perfectionism—self-oriented, socially prescribed, and other-oriented—and how each impacts our behavior, relationships, and ability to lead effectively. She introduces her EVOLVE Method, a six-step process for transforming perfectionism into inner leadership through mindfulness, body awareness, and self-compassion. Throughout the episode, Tara offers science-backed strategies and personal reflections on building a more compassionate inner life. She shares the importance of tuning into physical cues, creating a new relationship with the inner critic, and practicing mindfulness in simple, sustainable ways. Her approach empowers listeners to lead not through control or performance, but through presence, inner trust, and authenticity.This episode is especially valuable for high achievers, leaders, and anyone who struggles with never feeling like they’ve done enough. Listeners will walk away with new tools, powerful insights, and the reassurance that healing from perfectionism is not only possible, but transformational.About Dr. Tara CousineauDr. Tara Cousineau is a clinical psychologist, meditation teacher, and perfectionism recovery coach with over two decades of experience helping high achievers create sustainable inner change. She is the author of The Perfectionist’s Dilemma: Learn the Art of Self-Compassion and Become a Happy Achiever, a book that blends science, ancient wisdom, and practical tools to support emotional healing and self-leadership.In addition to her private practice, Tara serves as a part-time staff psychologist at Harvard University’s Counseling and Mental Health Services. Her work focuses on self-compassion, inner leadership, and breaking free from the exhausting cycle of perfectionism. She integrates mindfulness, energy psychology, and body-based awareness practices into her method, helping individuals and organizations cultivate resilience, authenticity, and true success from the inside out.Connect with Dr. Tara CousineauVisit perfectionistsdilemma.com to learn more about Tara’s work, take the Inner Critic Quiz, explore her Happy Achiever tools, and watch the book trailer.Follow her on Instagram at @drtaracousineauConnect on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/tara-cousineau-phdAbout the HostKayla Sweet, MA, is a Gallup-certified strengths coach, transformational leadership expert, and the host of Internally Guided Life—a soulful podcast for heart-centered people ready to heal, grow, and live with bold purpose. With a background in psychology, mindfulness, and transformational leadership, Kayla supports women and conscious leaders on their journey of inner healing, self-discovery, and personal transformation.Connect with Kayla:FacebookInstagramTikTokLinkedInInternally Guided Life Podcast PageInternally Guided Leadership.Visit Kayla’s LinktreeEpisode Credits:Intro & Outro Music: By artist Goat On The River, produced by Christian Michael Smith at https://www.microdotstudioproductions.com/ Podcast recorded by Christian Michael Smith at https://www.microdotstudioproductions.com/