
Self-Criticism & Negative Self-Talk
Constantly judging yourself or feeling “not good enough.” Learn to replace harsh inner dialogue with compassion and supportive thinking.
Overview
Self-criticism refers to harsh internal dialogues that judge, blame, or put oneself down. Negative self-talk becomes a habit that shapes emotions and behaviors, often contributing to anxiety, depression, or low motivation. Therapy helps individuals replace harmful thought patterns with realistic, supportive ones.
Symptoms
“I’m not good enough” thoughts
Blaming yourself excessively
Feeling ashamed or guilty for small mistakes
Overthinking failures
Perfectionistic pressure
Emotional exhaustion
Causes
High expectations from childhood
Critical caregivers
Shame-based environments
Trauma or rejection
Cultural/social pressure
Anxiety or depression
How Therapy Can Help
CBT for thought restructuring
Mindfulness & awareness of inner dialogue
Compassion-focused therapy
Grounding & emotional regulation
Reducing unrealistic expectations
Practicing positive self-statements and reframing






