The Inner Critic
We all have this part of ourselves, the Inner Critic, that points out our shortcomings and flaws. You may realize that you speak to yourself in ways that you would never speak to another person, even your worst enemy. You feel stuck in this perpetual cycle of judgment, anxiety, anger, frustration, and shame. At the end of your day, you rewind the tape in your mind to analyze the things you didn’t handle the right way or the tiny details of conversation that went badly. You sometimes can’t help but focus on what might seem like “little things.” You find yourself worrying about how others may have perceived you or judged you.
Where did this Inner Critic come from?
For some, the Inner Critic comes from childhood experiences that left them with a feeling of being defective or broken. Others experience the Inner Critic in their issues with perfectionism or control. It can contribute to anxiety, stress, and depression. It hurts our relationship with ourselves and eventually will interfere with our relationships with others because it gives you the constant message that you are not good enough or worthy of love and connection.
How does Mindfulness and Self-Compassion help?
The combined practice of mindfulness and self-compassion fosters emotional healing, resiliency, and growth. In our lives, we frequently encounter moments that stir up negative beliefs about our own inadequacies in addition to uncomfortable feelings of shame, anxiety, fear, etc. By learning to respond to life with mindful awareness, understanding, and kindness, you can more effectively manage difficult and stressful events and cultivate emotional resiliency.
The Women’s Self-Compassion Group – 12 weeks
Join Jessica Houghton, MSW, LCSW to learn more about the practice of mindfulness and self-compassion. Group members should be ready to dig deep and explore concepts of worthiness, imperfection, and connection for a truly transformative experience.
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To express interest in our next group, please email
