Working With Your Inner Critic
Self-compassion instead of self-attack
Many people carry an inner voice that is far harder on them than they would ever be on someone else — quick to criticise, slow to forgive, and rarely satisfied. This voice can feel like simply “how things are”, but it usually has a history.
For people who have lived through difficult or unsafe experiences, a harsh inner critic often developed as a kind of protection — a way of staying one step ahead of criticism, rejection or failure from the outside. It is closely linked to shame, which is why this module works alongside our Shame-Based Trauma guide.
This is not about silencing the critic overnight, or replacing it with forced positivity. It is about noticing the voice, questioning what it says, and slowly building a kinder, more accurate way of talking to yourself.
- 1UnderstandEducation and psychoeducation
- 2RecognisePatterns, parts, triggers and responses
- 3ReflectGuided questions and journaling
- 4PracticeInteractive exercises and practical skills
- 5IntegrateApplying it to everyday life
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Where members often go next from here.
An inner critic that formed to protect you is not a flaw to eliminate — it is a pattern to understand and gradually soften. If self-critical thoughts are relentless, feel unsafe, or tip into thoughts of harming yourself, please see our Self-Harm Support and Crisis Resources pages, and consider talking to a GP or trauma-informed therapist. Crisis Resources
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