Working with a strong inner critic

ABOUT THE EPISODE

How do you work with a client whose inner critic feels impossible to shift?

We explore how to identify self-critical patterns, understand what the critic may be trying to protect the client from, and respond without simply fighting or trying to remove it.

The conversation includes practical ways of working with imagery, compassionate writing and Compassionate Mind Training, alongside reflections on managing distress when exercises feel difficult.

How can therapists respond to a strong inner critic?

When a client’s self-criticism feels entrenched, it can be tempting to challenge the critic or try to replace it with kinder thoughts. In this conversation, Chris offers a different starting point: notice the pattern, understand what the critic may be trying to protect the client from, and explore the threat or shame beneath it.

Practical ideas discussed include compassionate imagery, compassionate writing and Compassionate Mind Training. The emphasis is not on forcing self-compassion, but on pacing the work carefully and noticing when an exercise feels difficult or increases distress.

You’ll hear ideas for:

• Exploring the function of self-criticism before challenging its content
• Helping clients notice how the critic affects them emotionally and physically
• Introducing compassion-focused exercises carefully
• Adapting the work when compassionate practices feel threatening or uncomfortable

This is an educational conversation for qualified therapists rather than a fixed protocol. The ideas need to be considered alongside your own formulation, professional judgement and the client’s needs.

Related listening: For another practical conversation about self-critical patterns, listen to Working with Perfectionism, covering different forms of perfectionism, core beliefs, cognitive restructuring and behavioural experiments.