Freedom from Your Inner Critic: A Self-Therapy Approach

In this revelatory volume, psychotherapists Earley (Embracing Intimacy) and Weiss (The Illustrated Inner Critic Workbook) explain the origins of self-critical impulses, and then show how to cope with them effectively. Relying heavily on Internal Family Systems Therapy, an approach developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz to facilitate constructive inner dialogue, the authors explore the seven types of internal critics (“Perfectionist,” “Inner Controller,” “Taskmaster,” “Underminer,” “Destroyer,” “Guilt Tripper,” and “Molder”) and highlight both the negative and the positive effects each can have on one’s life. Earley and Weiss posit that the roots of these critical subpersonalities can be traced back to childhood, when they evolved as mechanisms for survival—a child’s Inner Controller, for example, might ensure she doesn’t talk back to an abusive parent and therefore exacerbate the abuse. But once that child becomes an adult, certain of these constructs are rendered obsolete, though they remain extant and active. The authors offer actionable steps for retraining oneself to activate one’s inner champion and live free of these harmful inner critics. Practical exercises bulwark every step along the way, making this a pragmatic and immensely helpful guide for anyone struggling with issues stemming from childhood. (Sept.)