SCIENCEWORKS
BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE
Edited and reviewed:
June 10, 2026
Reviewed by:
Complete Care for all Neurotypes
Therapy | Assessments | Coaching
PERFECTIONISM & I-CBT
I-CBT for perfectionism in Tennessee
Evidence-based I-CBT for perfectionism with licensed Tennessee clinicians, by secure telehealth statewide — loosen impossible standards without losing drive.
Good enough never feels good enough to you
IS I-CBT RIGHT FOR YOU?
A good fit if any of this sounds familiar
Inference-based therapy that targets the doubt behind never-good-enough
Weekly telehealth sessions with a clinician who treats perfectionism
A plan to ease checking, redoing, and harsh self-judgment
Licensed Providers
Telehealth Nationwide*
Neuro-affirming
Private & Secure
HOW I-CBT WORKS
What I-CBT is, and how it eases perfectionism
Inference-based cognitive behavioral therapy (I-CBT) treats perfectionism as a problem of obsessional doubt. A task feels wrong, flawed, or not-good-enough — so you recheck, redo, and refine, or you stall and avoid, chasing a certainty that never quite arrives. The standard isn't just high; it's impossible, because the doubt always finds something.
Instead of arguing with the inner critic, I-CBT works on the reasoning that makes the not-good-enough feeling seem like truth. With your therapist you trace how the doubt is built from imagined judgment rather than real evidence, then practice trusting your own work and judgment. As that inferential confusion clears, the urge to redo and recheck loosens — and your genuine standards stay. At ScienceWorks we adapt I-CBT for anxiety, OCD, and neurodivergent clients.
KEY STATISTICS ABOUT PERFECTIONISM
32%
rise in socially prescribed perfectionism since 1989
Source:
10%
rise in self-oriented perfectionism since 1989
Source:
16%
rise in other-oriented perfectionism since 1989
Source:
WHAT TO EXPECT
Simple to start, supportive throughout
1
Free 15-minute consult.
We learn what's weighing on you and answer your questions — no pressure.
2
3
Structured I-CBT by secure telehealth statewide, or in person in Nashville.
You're paired with a clinician experienced in I-CBT for perfectionism.
Matched with the right clinician.
Weekly telehealth sessions.
Payment options
As a specialty practice, we're out-of-network so we can offer the most effective, customized services.
Our payment options are transparent and flexible:
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Self-Pay: All major credit cards; FAS/HSA eligible
-
Payment Plans: 6-months interest-free for approved clients via CareCredit
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Superbills Provided
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Out-of-Network: Up to 90% reimbursement for qualifying plans
WHO YOU'LL WORK WITH
Licensed, specialized, clinically reviewed
Your I-CBT for perfectionism care is delivered by a team of licensed Tennessee providers trained in inference-based CBT (I-CBT), with experience treating perfectionism, anxiety, and OCD. We match you with a clinician who gets the never-good-enough cycle — not a generalist.
Dr. Kiesa Kelly (she/her)
Owner & Psychologist
Ryan Burns (he/him)
Practice Director
WHY CLIENTS CHOOSE SCIENCEWORKS
Why people choose ScienceWorks
Because we're independent and out-of-network, your care follows what actually eases perfectionism — not insurance limits or session caps.
You're matched with a clinician trained in inference-based CBT, using methods studied in randomized trials — not generic advice to relax.
Care is affirming — by secure telehealth statewide, with in-person visits at our Nashville office, so support reaches you wherever you are.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Common questions
Is I-CBT for perfectionism online or in person?
ScienceWorks provides I-CBT for perfectionism by secure telehealth to clients anywhere in Tennessee, and in person at our Nashville office if you prefer. Most clients choose online sessions — attend from home, work, or school, with no travel; in-person visits in Nashville are available on request.
Will therapy kill my drive or high standards?
No. I-CBT targets the doubt that makes nothing feel good enough — the rechecking, redoing, and self-criticism — not your ambition. Most people keep their high standards and lose the exhausting, never-finished feeling that comes with them.
Is perfectionism really treatable?
Yes. When perfectionism drives checking, redoing, and harsh self-judgment, it responds well to I-CBT. By resolving the not-good-enough doubt at its source, the compulsive striving eases — even when your standards stay high. Many people start with a free consult.
*Therapy and assessments available in the following states (coaching available worldwide):
Work with us locally:
AL, AZ, AR, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, ID, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, ME, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WV, WI, WY
2603 Elm Hill Pike, Suite C
Nashville, TN 37214
Disclaimer: This page provides general educational information and is not a substitute for mental health diagnosis or treatment. Reading this page does not create a therapist–client relationship with ScienceWorks Behavioral Healthcare. If you are in crisis or may be at risk of harm to yourself or others, call 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or call/text 988 (U.S.). Additional emergency support can be found here: Emergency Resources.