About this episode

This episode features Dr. Ellen Hendriksen discussing perfectionism, shame, and self-worth in recovery.

Are you working hard, caring deeply, and still feeling like it's not enough? You're not alone, and this episode is for you. This week, Molly and Clarissa sit down with Dr. Ellen Hendriksen, clinical psychologist, core faculty at the Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders at Boston University, and author of How to Be Enough and How to Be Yourself . Ellen brings warmth, science, and radical compassion to one of the most common, and most quietly painful, struggles in recovery: perfectionism. In this conversation, we explore: 🔹 Where perfectionism actually comes from — genetics, family of origin, AND the culture we're swimming in 🔹 Why shame fuels the binge-restrict cycle and how to begin replacing self-punishment with self-kindness 🔹 The crucial difference between rules and values — and how that distinction can transform your recovery 🔹 Why procrastination is never really about time (and what it's actually telling you) 🔹 How to build a stable, grounded sense of self-worth that isn't constantly up for evaluation 🔹 Why comparison is hardwired — and what to do with it instead of fighting it 🔹 The "already enough" practice that rewires how we see ourselves Whether you're…

People in this episode

Hosts: Clarissa Kennedy, Molly

Guest: Dr. Ellen Hendriksen

Topics covered

• perfectionism
• shame
• self-worth
• recovery
• food addiction
• disordered eating

Keywords

• perfectionism
• shame
• self-worth
• recovery
• food addiction
• disordered eating
• self-kindness
• procrastination
• comparison

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders

Books & works: How to Be Enough, How to Be Yourself

More episodes of Food Junkies Podcast

• Episode 279: Clinician's Corner | Why Motivation Isn't the Problem — Building Competence in Food Addiction Recovery · April 30, 2026 · 41 min
• Food Junkies Recovery Stories Episode 33: Heather Miller · April 28, 2026 · 48 min
• Episode 278: Dr. John Kelly | The Science of Recovery – What the Research Really Says · April 23, 2026 · 46 min
• Episode 277: Dr. Rachel Herz | The Science of Disgust, Smell, and Why You Eat What You Eat · April 16, 2026 · 56 min
• Episode 276: Esther Kane, MSW | Highly Sensitive People · April 9, 2026 · 47 min
• Episode 275: Clinician's Corner | Recovery in Unsettled Times · April 2, 2026 · 53 min

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