REBT Skills to Conquer Toxic Perfectionism’s “Too Much of a Good Thing” Epidemic

Date course created: May 2025

The culture of striving, keeping up with the Jones’s out in suburbia, the “glamor trap” inherent in how we use social media, or the increased difficulty to attain middle class status today – a whole slew of modern forces combine to create a culture of perfectionism that has become a toxic cancer on well-being, relationships, and even how we define normal. It’s a classic problem of “too much of a good thing” often born out of good intentions to develop, succeed, differentiate, or otherwise evolve as a human being. We don’t talk about it enough, but it’s everywhere and the effects can be devastating for people, our clients included!

Have you ever worked with clients that struggle with being perfect and constantly feel defeated due to impossible self-expectations? This training will assist participants to learn to recognize the nature and impact of perfectionism on clients’ thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Learn classic rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) skills and approaches to effectively address the underlying irrational beliefs that fuel perfectionistic tendencies.

Participants will come away with increased knowledge of how perfectionism can be the underlying cause of depression, anxiety, and other behavioral disorders that impact daily functioning. This course will also teach participants the art of assisting clients to embrace imperfection to be more creative, stress free, and to live life to fullest without the hinderance of being perfect. Please join us for a creative and fascinating look at working with clients to free them from perfectionism!

• Ethical considerations when working with clients impacted by perfectionism.
• The importance of using assessments to inform and guide treatment goals using REBT.
• Monitoring progress by assisting clients to embrace imperfection as an opportunity to be creative and free in their thinking.
• Learning and understanding the concept of glimmers versus triggers, and how they physiologically impact clients in a positive manner.

**This is a 2.5-CE noninteractive, self-paced online video course delivered in home study format via an industry-standard online learning platform**

Agenda:

00:00 – 00:30: Introduction to Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, Effects of Perfectionism on Mental Health
00:30 – 01:00: The Mind-Body Connection and Perfectionism, Managing Perfectionism, The ABC Model in Practice
01:00 – 01:25: Client-Centered Approaches, Self Compassion, Mindfulness and Its Benefits
01:25 – 01:45: Setting Realistic Goals, Assessments, Tailoring Interventions, The Importance of Documentation
01:45 – 02:10: Mindfulness / Self-Compassion, Focusing on Positive Experiences, Time and Fulfillment
02:10 – 02:35: Developing Safety Plans, Application of Knowledge, Ethical Responsibilities with Minors

Objectives:

This training will provide participants clinical knowledge and tools to:

a). After completing this training, participants will be able to identify at least three aspects of functioning impacted by perfectionism and understand the the nature of perfectionism in thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors.

b). After completing this training, participants will be able to identify at least two core principles of REBT and how they are used to assist clients to decrease distress and maladaptive behaviors caused by perfectionism.

c). After completing this training, participants will be able to master and apply at least three practical strategies to challenge and modify irrational beliefs about perfectionism.

d). After completing this training, participants will be able to identify at least two ways to assist clients to set realistic goals that include homework assignments to support progress toward goals outside of therapy sessions.

Target Audience:

Clinical Mental Health Professionals such as Counselors, Psychologists, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Licensed Clinical Social Workers.

Instructional Level: Intermediate

Instructor(s): Jodi Ann Geis-Crowder, MS, LPC, ACS

Material Author(s): Jodi Ann Geis-Crowder, MS, LPC, ACS  

Jodi Geis-Crowder is a dedicated professional with 27 years of experience in ensuring access to quality behavioral health care and substance use disorder services in rural areas of Northeast Colorado and Wyoming. She holds an Associate Degree in Education, a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences, and a Master’s Degree in Counselor Education with an emphasis in Leadership from institutions in Wyoming. Jodi also holds professional counseling licenses in Colorado and Wyoming and is an Approved Clinical Supervisor through the Center for Credentialing and Education, recognized by the National Board of Certified Counselors. Jodi pioneered animal- assisted therapy and therapeutic horticulture programs at Centennial Mental Health Center and Peak Wellness Center, reflecting her commitment to culturally meaningful care in rural settings. She has held various leadership roles, including clinical supervisor and regional clinical director, and has expertise in Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), telehealth supervision, and telehealth service delivery. Jodi currently serves as a clinical supervisor and professional trainer for Volunteers of America Northern Rockies. Jodi also offers webinars, professional training consultation, and professional speaking through JGC Enterprises, LLC, focusing on Ethics, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Clinical Supervision, Telehealth, Trauma Informed Care, and the Human/Animal Bond. Passionate about art, Jodi is a professional watercolor artist and photographer, selling her work in Wyoming boutiques as a member of the Sagebrush Artisans. “I am grateful and humbled by the opportunities I have to mentor and nurture professionals on their journey. I am passionate about behavioral health care and ensuring service delivery for some of the most vulnerable in our society. My goal is to focus on solutions, hope, gratitude, identifying and instilling resilience, and finding glimmers in daily lives to facilitate positive change, individually and organizationally.”

For additional information about this course, the instructors, or the material authors, please contact Content Assistance at content@onlinececredits.com.

Course Materials & Delivery Method:

• Course Materials – The course is composed of a recorded presentation and written materials (e.g. a slide deck and/or other worksheets, manuals, or handouts as provided by the instructor). The slide deck and any additional worksheets or handouts (as provided by the instructor) are made available inside the Lesson module after a course is purchased.
• Delivery Method – This course is a recorded asynchronous, self-paced webinar training, and there is no access time limit or due date to complete it once enrolled. The enrolled learner will stream the recorded presentation and view the materials from their internet connected device via an industry-standard online learning platform.

CE Approvals:

Online CE Credits has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6795. Programs that do not quality for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Online CE Credits is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

Mind Works Professional Education, Inc. DBA Online CE Credits, #1974, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: July 23, 2024 – July 23, 2025. Social workers completing this course receive 2.5 clinical continuing education credits.

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