Midlife with Courage™-Flourishing After Forty with Kim Benoy
Listening to this podcast will leave you feeling inspired and motivated as you navigate your beautiful midlife journey! The stories of other amazing women will start you on a path to finding your own courage to flourish after forty.
Midlife with Courage™-Flourishing After Forty with Kim Benoy
Unpacking Perfectionism in Midlife: A Conversation with Dr. Tara Cousineau
In this episode of Midlife with Courage, Kim interviews Dr. Tara Cousineau, a clinical psychologist based in Massachusetts. Dr. Cousineau discusses the origins and effects of perfectionism, offering insights into how it often serves as a protective mechanism rooted in our past experiences.
The conversation covers the impact of inner critical voices, how they manifest in different archetypes, and the importance of self-compassion in addressing these issues.
Dr. Cousineau also shares personal anecdotes and highlights from her workshops and recent book, 'The Perfectionist Dilemma.' The episode aims to inspire and educate women in midlife on how to manage perfectionism and embrace self-compassion.
- 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview
- 00:56 Meet Dr. Tara Cousineau
- 01:42 Defining Courage
- 03:46 Understanding Perfectionism
- 06:01 The Inner Critic and Self-Compassion
- 10:01 Perfectionism as Protection
- 12:16 Personal Experiences and Midlife Challenges
- 15:20 Working with Women Across Ages
- 16:21 Midlife Career Changes and Perfectionism
- 16:47 The Awakening in Midlife
- 17:43 Societal Standards and Self-Worth
- 19:29 Inner Critical Voices and Self-Doubt
- 21:49 Energy Medicine and Higher Self
- 23:32 Introducing 'The Perfectionist Dilemma'
- 25:19 Where to Find More Resources
- 26:38 Practicing Self-Compassion
- 28:23 Final Thoughts and Farewell
Get in on the next Courage & Confidence Circle before it even opens. The waitlist for the March 2026 Courage & Confidence Circle is open so click the link below to let me know you are ready to grow your midlife confidence now!
Kim Benoy is a retired RN, Certified Aromatherapist, wife and mom who is passionate about inspiring and encouraging women over 40. She wants you to see your own beauty, value and worth through sharing stories of other women just like you.
If this podcast inspires you and makes you think, “She’s talking to me,” there’s a place where these conversations continue. The Midlife with Courage™ community is the podcast—plus deeper connection, encouragement, and support for midlife women navigating confidence, change, and what’s next. It’s a safe, uplifting space to be inspired, share honestly, and grow alongside women who truly get this season of life.
Midlife with Courage™ Community
Are you looking for more? You should check out my Courage & Confidence Circle! Join a supportive group of other midlife women who are ready to live with courage and stop waiting for someday! This 3-month program starts again in March 2026 and I would love to see you there!
Want to be a guest on Midlife with Courage™-Flourishing After Forty with Kim Benoy? Send Kim Benoy a message on PodMatch, here: