Embracing your inner critic: exploring the power of internal family systems

Do you often feel overwhelmed by a critical voice inside you, questioning your decisions and what to do next? Do you desperately wish it would just give you some space to think clearly? 


Whether in therapy or through you own self-development, maybe you’ve encountered this voice described as a “poisoned parrot,” your “inner demons,” or simply “negative self-talk,” with the suggestion to silence it or make it disappear.


But what if I told you that by reacting this way, you’re pushing aside parts of yourself that are desperately trying to help and protect other parts of you from making mistakes? These critical parts might be there because they’re terrified of what might happen and urgently want to keep you safe.

How would you feel about this “inner critic” knowing this new information? Does the idea of understanding these frightened parts of yourself ignite a sense of curiosity to help them? 


What if instead of pushing these parts away, you brought them closer and let them know you’re here to help?


Imagine if you welcomed these parts and took the time to understand their fears and concerns. Visualise yourself embracing these frightened aspects of yourself with kindness and empathy. Instead of shutting them out, you invite them in, acknowledging their presence and their efforts to keep you safe.


As you work together with these parts, you gradually uncover the root causes of their anxiety and apprehension. With patience and understanding, you offer them the reassurance and support they crave. Over time, these aspects of yourself feel seen, heard, and valued.

With each step forward, you feel a transformation within yourself. The once dominant critical voice in your mind begins to soften. In its place you can access more of a sense of inner peace and acceptance. You discover yourself making decisions with newfound clarity and confidence, no longer gripped by self-doubt and fear.

By embracing and working with these parts of yourself, you not only alleviate their distress but also foster a deeper sense of self-compassion and resilience. You become more attuned to your own needs, empowering you to navigate life’s challenges with grace and strength.

This is the transformative power of Internal Family Systems (IFS). By embracing all parts of ourselves with compassion and understanding, we can alleviate inner conflict, cultivate resilience, and reclaim our sense of wholeness.

If you’re intrigued by the power of Internal Family Systems (IFS), why not take the next step? Reflect on how this approach resonates with you, and if you feel drawn to explore it further, get in touch today


To learn more about working with me, click here to book a call.