Search Results for: critical inner voice

PTSD, Iraq Veterans, Veterans mental health

As Iraq Ends, a New Battle with PTSD Begins

…nyone hoping to overcome Post-Traumatic Stress. When isolated the critical inner voice takes more control over the person’s life. Individuals suffering from PTSD often engage in “Thinking Traps.” Meichenbaum describes how the “failure to believe anything positive could result from trauma experience” often lures individuals into an almost constant state of victimization. Engaging in “Why me” and “If only” thinking only furthers the emotional distan…

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The Wait for the Acceptance Letter: How to Cope with Stress

…h school seniors have struggled with that they’ve shared with me. Critical Inner Voices So much of our anxiety and suffering is perpetuated, not just by what’s happening but what we’re telling ourselves about what’s happening. Unfortunately, it’s way too easy to put ourselves down in times of uncertainty, particularly those involving evaluation. We all have an inner critic that’s there to pounce when we’re feeling our most exposed or vulnerable. T…

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5 Achievable Resolutions for a Longer, Happier Life

…“correcting” our failures. This negative viewpoint comes from a “critical inner voice” we all possess that alerts us of what we need to fix, while reminding us that we won’t succeed. Filtering our personal goals through this critical lens only sets us up for failure. With that in mind, this year, I want to propose a new list of deeply rewarding and reachable resolutions. These activities have been proven to benefit us on every level, increasing b…

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Breaking Free from Addiction

…o the prescriptions of a destructive thought process known as the critical inner voice. For example, if you struggle with an alcohol dependency, this internal enemy will try to tempt you with a seductive, seeming friendly thought (or “voice”) saying, “You’ve had a rough week. Have a drink. You really need to relax.” If you’re overcoming a food addiction, it might lure you with rewards, “Have a piece of cake. You did well on your diet all week.” Af…

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Quiz: Is Your Self-Esteem Low?

…we seem to tolerate without putting up too much of a fight. The “critical inner voice” describes the self-shaming thoughts we experience and the ways they attack us in various areas of our lives. The negative thoughts and feelings generated by our critical inner voice are formed from our early life experiences. However, they tend to stick with us throughout adulthood and grow even louder when we are going after important goals. Our inner critic w…

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self image, self confidence, self esteem, psychalive

Changing Your Body Image Once and for All

…odies like getting out of the shower or going out at night. This “critical inner voice” gives us instructions to hide our bodies. It’s that internal coach telling us to leave on our tank tops at the beach. It’s the one whispering to us that, since we are flawed, we should drive ourselves beyond reason to achieve perfection or just give up on ourselves. Even though it may instruct us to exercise or diet, the same voice lures us to take it easy or h…

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How the Critical Inner Voice Affects Relationships

…Watch an exclusive PsychAlive cartoon, illustrating the concept of the “critical inner voice” and how it can negatively impact your romantic relationships. Learn more about the critical inner voice…

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A Way Out of Loneliness

…we see ourselves, we can change our feelings of loneliness. The “critical inner voice” is a self-destructive dialogue that plays in our head, a running commentary that coaches us with cruel observations and terrible advice. When we meet someone we like, it’s that little voice that chimes in, “He has zero interest in you. Do NOT show him that you like him.” It’s there to frighten us into holding back, “Why be vulnerable? You’ll make a fool of your…

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Is There a Cure for Narcissism?

…“Benefits of Mindful Parenting.” Another is by identifying your “critical inner voice.” The critical inner voice is like an internal enemy we all possess that resides in our heads and comments on our actions. This inner critic forms out of negative experiences early in our lives that injured our sense of self. Unlike a conscience, the critical inner voice represents an “anti-self,” a coach that is against us, luring us with bad advice and beratin…

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gratitude

A Time to be Grateful

…self? In what ways do I enjoy being me? Gratitude interrupts your critical inner voice: The critical inner voice is the part of us that is turned against ourself. It is the defended, negative side of our personality that is opposed to our ongoing development. The voice consists of the negative thoughts, beliefs and attitudes that oppose our best interests and diminish our self-esteem. Acknowledging what you are grateful goes directly against the v…

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