The inner critic is actually a protector part of you that is trying to keep you safe but, in some cases, can make you feel worse. Hypnotherapy helps us recognise that rather than any harsh words being true, our inner critic is actually a coping mechanism that is trying to help. 

What is an inner critic? 

We all have different parts to our personality. For example, we behave differently at work than at home, we’re playful around friends, or nurturing as a parent or partner. But some people have an inner voice that has something bad to say about their life. 

That self criticism can affect everything from our career choices to personal relationships; a stream of – sometimes obvious, sometimes subtle – negative thoughts that chip away at our self confidence and erode our power to make even the smallest decision.  

Where does our inner critic come from? 

There are many reasons why people have self critical thoughts. For some, they have their roots in childhood or adolescence and are often caused by negative or traumatic experiences such as bullying. 

Some people’s critical inner voice is brought about by having standards that are, in reality, just too high. Setting unachievable goals or having an inflexibly perfectionist outlook can be a recipe for failure – no matter how hard working or talented you are. 

As well as putting up obstacles to take any kind of decision-making, that relentless voice of self doubt can also lead to a negative emotional response that can damage our mental health. 

Many people feel shame, fear, and even depression, as a result of the inner criticism swirling around their heads, and that cycle of negative beliefs can feel impossible to break. 

The mental health impact of inner criticism 

It probably won’t make sense at the time, but the inner critic telling you that you’re not good enough, not strong, talented or beautiful enough – all that negative messaging is actually part of a fundamental survival strategy. 

It’s a coping mechanism that our mind uses to protect us during times of tension, but it’s misfiring.  

What feels like harsh words to hear are meant to keep us safe and warn us of potential dangers. 

However instead they knock our self confidence, damage our self esteem, and lead to issues like impostor syndrome.

The best tool for quietening your inner critic is self kindness and self compassion.

Hypnotherapy can turn self criticism into something positive 

Hypnotherapy helps people become aware of that critical voice, and recognise that rather than believing what it says is true, my clients discover it is, in fact, a coping mechanism. 

Sometimes the negative voice is connected to our inner child, who has perhaps been affected by an event in the past. Sometimes our inner critic is connected to our relationships with family or friends. 

I use hypnotherapy to access this part of us – almost as if it were another individual.  We interact with the inner critic with compassion, asking it to change the way it is helping us by being more positive.  This helps turn your inner critic into your inner champion.

My hypnotherapy sessions aim to free you from patterns of blame, pain, and shame, eliminate negative self-talk, as well as feelings of hurt, anger or anxiety. 

From negative self talk to building self compassion 

Instead of feeling scared to move forward, I can help you find inner calm as you build the confidence and self esteem you need to begin healing as a person. 

Before you know it, you will be moving toward self compassion and self acceptance. 

You will still have an inner world, but that voice will speak encouraging and supportive truths, allowing you to control your feelings of shame, blame, doubt, worrying about what other people think and other negative emotions, and step into your power and become your true self. 

Silence your inner critic with hypnotherapy  

Do you feel like you can’t make anything happen because you’re second-guessing yourself, or you imagine failing before you’ve even tried? 

Hypnotherapy can help quieten your inner champion, giving you the head space and confidence to take on whatever challenges life sends your way. 

If you’re ready to turn your inner critic into your inner champion, I’m here to help.

Book a free, initial consultation today and take the first step towards reclaiming your life.