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!