Healing the Inner Critic: How Therapy Helps You Befriend the Voice Within
Most of us have an inner critic—a voice that whispers (or shouts) that we’re not doing enough, being enough, or feeling the "right" way. While meant to protect, this voice often leaves us feeling ashamed, stuck, or disconnected from our true self.
At our North Sydney therapy space, we support individuals in gently turning toward this voice, understanding where it came from, and creating a new relationship with it—one rooted in compassion, not control.
What Is the Inner Critic?
The inner critic is an internalised voice that:
Judges your actions, thoughts, or feelings
Sets impossible standards
Compares you to others
Undermines your confidence and choices
It often forms early in life, shaped by caregivers, school, or cultural messages. At its core, it’s usually trying to keep you safe—but in a way that’s outdated or unhelpful.
The Cost of Living with It
When the critic runs the show, you may:
Struggle with perfectionism or procrastination
Feel anxious or emotionally paralysed
Sabotage relationships out of fear of not being "good enough"
Avoid taking risks or expressing needs
The inner critic can block growth, creativity, and intimacy.
How Therapy Supports Inner Healing
In therapy, we don’t try to silence the critic—we get curious about it. We help you:
Identify the parts of you that hold criticism
Understand the fears or wounds underneath
Create dialogue with your inner critic through parts work
Build up a compassionate internal voice that leads, not shames
North Sydney Therapy for Inner Criticism
You don’t have to fight your inner critic—you can understand it and shift its role in your life. Therapy offers a gentle way to reconnect with your worth.
Book a session Available in-person or online, we’re here to help you meet yourself with compassion, not judgment.
