Self-Criticism & Inner Critic — Therapy in Maryland

Therapy for self-criticism

When your harshest critic lives inside your head.

Self-criticism feels like motivation but it’s actually one of the most reliable engines of depression. Research shows compassion drives change far better than harshness. Sanare therapists help adults across Maryland soften the inner voice without losing their drive.

What it looks like

What this can sound like.

A running internal monologue of things you’ve done wrong.

Saying things to yourself you’d never say to someone you care about.

Replaying mistakes years after they’ve happened.

Feeling like you’re “not enough” regardless of what you achieve.

How we help

How therapy works with the inner critic.

Self-compassion practice

Evidence-based skills for noticing the inner critic and responding differently.

Cognitive work

Identifying the distortions that fuel self-criticism — all-or-nothing thinking, mind-reading, fortune-telling.

Understanding the origin

Most inner critics started as protection. We work with where it came from, not just how it sounds.

Building tolerance for self-kindness

Many people resist self-compassion at first. We move at your pace.

Ready when you are

Reach out and tell us what’s going on.

We’ll match you with a Maryland-licensed therapist who specializes in this work, verify your insurance, and answer any questions before you begin.