Inner Critics: Everyone has one, trauma survivors have MORE
Inner Critics
Everyone I work with has a cast of fierce inner critics. It comes with being neglected or abused in childhood. But critics also are just plain part of being human. No child gets out of childhood without difficulties. Humiliations come with growing up. Losses come with being alive. Inner critics are parts of the human psyche who say, "I'm gonna keep you from getting hurt again by criticizing you before anyone else can." In other words, they are our fiercest protectors! The older we get, or the more harsh our human family is, the more our inner critics become burdened. They become the voices in our heads that we carry around twenty-four hours a day. Jay Earley, PhD, has explored inner critics in great depth and has come up with seven common types that I find illuminating. As you read them below, at least one will stand out for you, probably more than one. Then in your daily life, you might begin to notice that critic's voice, and be able to bring some awareness and even compassion to it, as a part that learned to protect you when you needed it, and now does it habitually. In Internal Family Systems Therapy, a therapist can help you get to know your critics and help them release the burdens they carry, as well as, give you a chance to heal the vulnerable parts they are protecting. Over time, your mind will become much quieter, and your once harsh inner critics can choose new roles that support you, rather than tear you down.
Inner Critic Types
by Jay Earley, PhD In our study of the Inner Critic, we have identified the following seven types of Inner Critics that people are troubled by:
Perfectionist
This critic tries to get you to do things perfectly.
It sets high standards for the things your produce, and has difficulty saying something is complete and letting it go out to represent your best work.
It tries to make sure that you fit in and that you will not be judged or rejected.
Its expectations probably reflect those of people who have been important to you in the past.
Guilt-Tripper
This critic is stuck in the past. It is unable to forgive you for wrongs you have done or people you have hurt.
It is concerned about relationships and holds you to standards of behavior prescribed by your community, culture and family
It tries to protect you from repeating past mistakes by making sure you never forget or feel free.
Underminer
This critic tries to undermine your self confidence and self esteem so that you won’t take risks.
It makes direct attacks on your self worth so that you will stay small and not take chances where you could be hurt or rejected.
It is afraid of your being too big or too visible and not being able to tolerate judgment or failure.
Destroyer
It makes pervasive attacks on your fundamental self worth.
It shames you and makes you feel inherently flawed and not entitled to basic understanding or respect.
This most debilitating critic, comes from early life deprivation or trauma.
It is motivated by a belief that it is safer not to exist.
Molder
This critic tries to get you to fit into a certain mold based on standards held by society, your culture or your family.
It wants you to be liked and admired and to protect you from being abandoned, shamed or rejected.
The Molder fears that the Rebel or the Free Spirit in you would act in ways that are unacceptable. So it keeps you from being in touch with and expressing your true nature.
Taskmaster
This critic wants you to work hard and be successful.
It fears that you may be mediocre or lazy and will be judged a failure if it does not push you to keep going.
Its pushing often activates a procrastinator or a rebel that fights against its harsh dictates.
Inner Controller
This critic tries to control your impulses: eating, drinking, sexual activity, etc.
It is polarized with an Indulger –addict who it fears can get out of control at any moment.
It tends to be harsh and shaming in an effort to protect you from yourself.
It is motivated to try to make you a good person who is accepted and functions well in society.
