Quieting the Inner Critic: Learning to Be Kinder to Yourself
Most of us know that voice - the one that whispers, “You should be doing better,” or “Why can’t you handle this?” It often shows up when we’re stressed, tired, or feeling vulnerable. And while it might seem like it’s trying to push us forward, over time, it can wear us down.
Psychologists call this voice the inner critic. It’s not always loud, but it’s persistent. It can make us doubt ourselves, feel ashamed of our struggles, or believe we’re falling short - even when we’re doing our best.
The good news is, we don’t have to live under its weight. Research shows that practising self-compassion - treating ourselves with the same kindness and understanding we’d offer a friend - can reduce stress, boost resilience, and even improve motivation. It’s not about ignoring mistakes or pretending everything’s fine. It’s about recognising that being human means being imperfect, and that’s okay.
In counselling, we often help people notice that inner voice and begin to soften it. Sometimes, just naming it can be powerful. From there, we explore ways to respond with patience, curiosity, and care - rather than criticism.
You deserve to feel supported, especially by yourself.
📍At Personal & Relationship Counselling Plymouth, we offer a safe space to explore these patterns and begin building a more compassionate relationship with yourself.