Unpacking Perfectionism

Course Title: Unpacking Perfectionism

Learning Method: Record asynchronous distance (non-interactive). This course includes a recorded video and access to the presented resources.

Amount of CE Credit Offered: 1.5 credits (general)

Fees: This course can be purchased individually for $25 or as part of an annual unlimited continuing education subscription available for $99/year.

Posttest: Following the course, the participant will take a 15 question posttest. A score of 70% correct is required to pass and obtain a certificate. If you do not pass the posttest, it can be re-taken after fully reviewing the materials again. 

Certificate of Completion: In order to receive a certificate of completion, you must indicate that you’ve watched the entire video portion of the course, earn a passing grade on the test, and complete the requested course evaluation.

Description of the Course:

This course will explore the common traits and negative effects of unrealistic expectations and perfectionism on academic and professional success. Through this course, participants will learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of academic burnout in clients and develop effective strategies for addressing perfectionistic thinking and unrealistic expectations. 

The course will also focus on promoting healthy coping mechanisms and resilience in clients, as well as the importance of self-compassion and self-care for social workers in preventing burnout and maintaining professional boundaries. By the end of the course, participants will have a deeper understanding of the causes and consequences of perfectionism and be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to support clients in overcoming these challenges. 

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify the traits of perfectionism and its impact on academic and professional success.
2. Recognize the signs and symptoms of academic burnout in clients.
3. Describe and implement strategies for addressing perfectionistic thinking and unrealistic expectations in clients by moving from Perfection to Progress.
4. Develop skills for promoting healthy coping mechanisms and resilience.
5. Examine the role of Mental Health Providers in helping clients overcome perfectionism and preventing burnout.

Target Audience: 

Masters and Clinical level licensees pursuing continuing education.

Content Level:

Both beginning and intermediate-level content are included in this course.

Instructor Bio(s):

Meagan Mitchell is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been providing individualized and group instruction for over 5 years.

Meagan is an experienced School Social Worker with a demonstrated history of working in education.

Meagan is skilled in Early Childhood Education, Conflict Resolution, Interventions, and Management. Strong community and social services professional with a Masters of Social Work focused in Interpersonal Practice with Children, Youth, and Families in Society from the University of Michigan School of Social Work. 

Course Outline:

This course will explore the common traits and negative effects of unrealistic expectations and perfectionism on academic and professional success. 

As generalist or clinical practitioners, social workers who take this course will understand the concept and traits of perfectionism and its impact on academic and professional success. This objective will be achieved by exploring the definition of perfectionism and its various dimensions, including the pursuit of high standards, doubting one’s abilities, and the tendency to procrastinate. Participants will learn about the negative consequences of perfectionism, including decreased motivation, decreased well-being, and burnout. Through this objective, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of perfectionism and its impact on academic and professional success.

The course also will educate participants on how to recognize the signs and symptoms of academic burnout in clients. This objective will be achieved through a review of the research on burnout, including its causes and effects. Participants will learn how to identify the signs and symptoms of burnout, including emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced personal accomplishment. By recognizing the signs and symptoms of burnout, participants will be better equipped to provide support and treatment to clients experiencing academic burnout.

The course will also examine the role of Mental Health Providers in helping clients overcome perfectionism and preventing burnout. Participants will learn about various strategies for addressing perfectionistic thinking and unrealistic expectations, including the use of cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, and psychodynamic therapies. Additionally, participants will learn about the importance of promoting healthy coping mechanisms and resilience. Through this objective, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the role that mental health providers can play in helping clients overcome perfectionism and preventing burnout. The course will equip participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to support clients as they move from Perfection to Progress.

Course Creation Date: 2/6/23 

Requesting Accessibility Accommodations:

Please email [email protected] to request accessibility accommodations.

ACE Approval Statement:

Unpacking Perfectionism, Course #4878, is approved by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program to be offered by Agents of Change as an individual course. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE course approval period: 4/18/23 – 4/18/25. Social workers completing this course receive 1.5 General continuing education credits.

System Requirements:

• The most recent version of Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge browser
• Javascript enabled
• PDF plugin
• Graphic and audio output capability
• Broadband internet connection with a minimum speed of 5Mbps (recommended)
• TLS 1.2 supported by your web browser