How Therapy Helps Soften the Inner Critic

✅ 1. Identifying the Voice of the Inner Critic

In psychodynamic therapy, one of the first steps is recognizing when your inner critic is speaking. Many people are so used to self-judgment that they don’t even notice it—it feels like the “truth.”

Ask yourself:

• Would I say these things to a friend?

• Where did I first learn to judge myself this way?

• What am I afraid will happen if I stop being so hard on myself?

Bringing awareness to these thoughts is the first step toward change.

✅ 2. Understanding Where It Comes From

Your therapist will help you explore the origins of your inner critic—whether it comes from childhood messages, cultural conditioning, or past wounds. Understanding that your inner critic was learned helps you realize it’s not an essential part of you.

✅ 3. Challenging the Inner Critic’s Messages

Therapy helps you question and reframe the negative thoughts your inner critic generates. Instead of accepting self-judgment as fact, you learn to challenge it:

• “Is this belief really true?”

• “Would I say this to someone I love?”

• “What’s a more balanced way to think about this?”

✅ 4. Developing Self-Compassion

The goal isn’t to eliminate the inner critic (it will always show up from time to time) but to respond to it differently.Therapy helps you replace harsh self-talk with self-compassion, patience, and understanding.

Instead of:
❌ “I failed. I’m so stupid.”
Try:
✅ “I struggled with this, but that doesn’t define me.”

Instead of:
❌ “I’m not good enough.”
Try:
✅ “I’m doing my best, and that’s enough.”

✅ 5. Creating a New Inner Voice

Therapy helps you develop a more supportive inner dialogue—one that acknowledges your strengths, allows for mistakes, and encourages growth instead of self-punishment.

Imagine if, instead of tearing yourself down, you had an inner mentor—a voice that encouraged you, supported you, and reminded you of your worth. Therapy helps you cultivate that voice.

Breaking Free from Self-Judgment

You don’t have to live under the weight of self-criticism forever. Your inner critic may have helped you survive difficult experiences, but it doesn’t have to control you anymore. With awareness, self-compassion, and the right support, you can transform your relationship with yourself.

If you’re ready to quiet the inner critic and build a more self-accepting mindset, psychodynamic therapy can help. Reach out today to start your journey toward greater self-compassion and emotional freedom.