Befriending the Inner Critic
Category: Emotional Regulation & Mental Health
Tags: Self-Compassion, CBT
Overview
If a friend spoke to you like your Inner Critic, you'd end the friendship.
Definition
Befriending the Critic is changing the relationship, not fighting it.
The Science
Threat Defense
The critic evolved to keep us safe from rejection. It is a misguided protector.
The Practice
Name It to Tame It
- Notice.
- Personify (give it a name).
- Validate intention.
- Redirect.
Common Pitfalls
- Arguing back.
- Toxic positivity.
Key Takeaway
Take away the critic's megaphone.