Many people struggle with a harsh inner critic that constantly tells them they are not good enough, unlikeable, a failure, or somehow fundamentally flawed. Over time, that critical inner voice can affect confidence, self esteem, relationships, anxiety, and emotional wellbeing.
For many LGBTQ+ people, the inner critic often develops in response to shame, rejection, bullying, criticism, or growing up feeling unsafe to fully be ourselves. What starts as a way of trying to protect us from hurt or rejection can eventually become an exhausting and painful internal dialogue that follows us into adulthood.
A lot of people try to silence, fight, or ignore their inner critic, but therapy can help us understand where that voice came from and why it developed in the first place. Learning to respond to ourselves with greater compassion rather than constant self criticism can be an important part of healing and emotional growth.
In this video, I explore the inner critic, shame, self compassion, emotional survival strategies, and why that critical voice is often rooted in fear rather than truth. If you struggle with self criticism, perfectionism, anxiety, or feeling like you are never good enough, I’d really encourage you to watch the video.
If any of this resonates with you and you’d like support exploring it further, I offer LGBTQ+ affirming therapy both online and in person from my practice in Manchester city centre. You’re welcome to get in touch to arrange a free 15 minute introductory call.
