Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife || A Psychotherapist’s Take On Perfectionism

Many of you will know today’s guest–Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife–as “the Mormon sex therapist.”

Yes, she is indeed an incredible therapist who deals primarily with relational and sexual issues.  But, as Jennifer says, her therapy focuses mostly on “just being human, and the challenges related to being human.“  

Turns out, one of the largest developmental hurdles her clients often face is perfectionism.  

Jennifer unveils what is really going on behind perfectionism, how it’s an immature behavior common to the human condition, beginning with a lack of development.  She talks about the flawed thinking behind perfectionism, what perfectionists are seeking, as well as the damaging effects of perfectionism on people’s lives and their relationships.  

Many listeners will be shocked to see a lot of what Jennifer talks about in themselves, including those who would label themselves as “underachievers.”

But there is hope!  Jennifer also shares what someone can do to combat this flawed thinking and behavior in their own life, and how they can develop a better capacity to refine who they are with integrity and grow more fully into the person they’d like to become.  

More on Jennifer:
Jennifer Finlayson-Fife grew up in Burlington, Vermont as one of eight children.  She studied Psychology and Women’s Studies at Brigham Young University, and went on to receive her Masters and PhD in Counseling Psychology from Boston College.  She has a private practice  in Chicago, IL where she works primarily with LDS couples on relational and sexual issues. She is a frequent guest on LDS-themed podcasts, and has written articles for LDS-themed magazines and blogs on the subjects of sexuality and modesty as well as mental health and faith.  She is married to John Finlayson-Fife and has three wonderful children. 

POST EDIT: After many requests, there is now a transcript of this interview.  You can read it here.  If you loved this podcast episode, then you’ll enjoy another interview on “goodness” recently aired with Jennifer.  See it here.

You can listen to this podcast episode below, on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, Pocketcasts, Googleplay, or search for “About Progress” on your favorite podcast app.  If you like the show, please subscribe!!



Show Notes
Jennifer’s website, Facebook, and COURSES 
Monica’s Instagram, Facebook, and more podcast episodes
CONTACT MONICA
More on “Do Something” here and here (includes a podcast episode that explains this series)
IRONMAN podcast episode, referenced in the show
Song Credit: “Sweet Promise” by Nicolai Heidlas