Welcome to the first episode of Season Four of Wisdom for Wellbeing Podcast. On this episode I interview Jennifer Kemp, Clinical Psychologist.
Perfectionism can be a battle for so many of us. So on this episode, we welcome Jennifer to help us navigate all the ways we can heal from these tendencies through self-compassion and mindful acceptance.
Want to keep in touch? Head to @drkaitlin on Instagram or @wisdomforwellbeingpod on Facebook to connect.
What is covered in this episode:
>>Perfectionism as a transdiagnostic experience of “never good enough”
>>Exploration of the 5 core processes of perfectionism:
- Setting high standards with rigidity
- Strong fear of failure
- Unreasonable efforts to avoid failure (and the slippery slope to OCD)
- Self criticism
- The experiences are causing bigger problems in life
>>The short-term reinforcements that keep perfectionistic tendencies going
>>How to tackle the ‘big bad’ fears that underlie perfectionism
>>The Passengers On A Bus metaphor as a way of understanding how we relate to our inner critic
>>The role of self-compassion in healing and how to start this process
Links Discussed
- Jennifer’s website: jenniferkemp.com.au
- Find the example of the two teachers on her webpage
You’ll find a copy of the Episode Transcript below.

Jennifer Kemp
Jennifer Kemp is a Clinical Psychologist who has a special interest in perfectionism from both her own experience and through the work she does with clients. Jennifer integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), clinical behaviour analysis, and exposure with self-compassion in her work. In her private practice in Adelaide, Australia, Jennifer sees clients struggling with chronic illness, depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), eating disorders, trauma, grief and loss.
Jennifer has a background in leadership coaching and facilitation and provides supervision to Clinical Registrars and experienced practitioners. She is the author of “The ACT Workbook for Perfectionism” for New Harbinger, due for release in December 2021.