Online in Denver and Throughout Colorado and Georgia
Therapy for Harsh Self-Criticism
Learn to Quiet Your Inner Critic (Without Losing Your Edge)
If you’re here because your inner critic has become your least favorite roommate, welcome. You know the one I mean: that harsh voice in your head that points out every flaw, replays every misstep, and has a knack for showing up at the worst times. Self-criticism might have motivated you at some points, but when it takes over, it can leave you feeling anxious, unworthy, and exhausted. Therapy can help you find a kinder way forward- a way to reach your goals and feel good about yourself without that constant cloud of criticism.
Self-criticism is often a deeply ingrained habit, but therapy can help you shift the way you see yourself and silence that inner critic bit by bit. Therapy with me isn’t about trying to erase every self-critical thought or turning into a perpetual optimist. Instead, it’s about learning to befriend yourself- mistakes, imperfections, and all.
My Approach to Therapy for Harsh Self-Criticism
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps you uncover what’s driving your inner critic by examining the automatic thoughts and beliefs fueling self-criticism, like “I should have done better” or “If I mess up, I’m a failure.” It’s not about forced positivity but realistic thinking—challenging whether those self-critical messages are as true as they feel. Together, we’ll identify and reframe these patterns, helping you feel less controlled by your inner critic and more empowered to embrace balanced, fair, and grounded thoughts.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps you create space for your inner critic without letting it take control. Instead of fighting or ignoring self-critical thoughts, ACT encourages making peace with them while focusing on what truly matters to you. Through self-compassion, we’ll explore how to respond to mistakes and setbacks with kindness, like you would for a close friend. Together, we’ll identify your core values and take meaningful steps toward them, learning to acknowledge self-critical thoughts without letting them dictate your path.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) offers a deeper understanding of your inner world by exploring the different “parts” of you that contribute to self-criticism. That critical voice in your mind might actually be a protector, trying to shield you from failure or rejection, alongside other parts like a perfectionist or a quieter, compassionate voice that feels overpowered. Through therapy, we’ll build a compassionate relationship with these parts, helping to soften the inner critic’s voice and strengthen your self-compassionate side, so you can feel more balanced and in control.
Somatic Therapy helps us tune into these physical sensations and find ways to release some of that tension. When we’re self-critical, we tend to feel it in our bodies. Maybe you notice a knot in your stomach, a heavy feeling in your chest, or even a tension headache after a tough day. It brings in a gentle, physical layer to the work, giving you another way to connect with your emotions and begin to ease the strain of self-criticism.
Reach Out to Me to Get Started
If you’re ready to start living with less self-criticism and a little more self-kindness, I’d love to help. Together, we’ll help you create a new story- one that honors all of who you are, without the constant need for criticism. And who knows? Your inner critic might just turn into a quieter, much kinder companion.