Turn Self-Criticism Into Self-Compassion: A Path to Healing

"We all struggle with self-doubt at times. Maybe it shows up as a nagging voice that says you're not good enough, or as a harsher self- bully. And it can especially be a problem for highly sensitive people who tend to turn against themselves. But these messages of inadequacy don't have to control your life. By bringing mindful attention to your inner thoughts and feelings, you can begin to open more fully to your struggles, ultimately nurturing greater self-understanding, self-empathy, and self-compassion."

"The first step to creating this change is identifying your self-critical thoughts and beliefs. The very act of doing this puts you in the position of an observer. You can then be more aware of the part of you that feels like a victim of your inner critic. This shift in focus from a single critical voice to an awareness of two (or more) inner voices changes the self-talk from a monologue to a dialogue."

Self-doubt often appears as a nagging voice or harsher self-bullying, especially in highly sensitive people who turn against themselves. Mindful attention to inner thoughts and feelings enables opening more fully to struggles and nurtures self-understanding, self-empathy, and self-compassion. The first step is identifying self-critical thoughts and beliefs to adopt an observing stance. Becoming aware of both the critic and the part that feels victimized shifts self-talk from a monologue to a dialogue. Practical steps include pausing and breathing, naming triggers, writing the critic's voice and sensations, and responding from the victim's perspective before inviting compassionate responses imagined from a caring friend.

Read at Psychology Today