On Attachment26 Aug 2025

#203: How to Soften Your Inner Critic and Forgive Yourself for the Past

If you struggle with a harsh inner critic — whether it shows up as perfectionism, relentless self-judgment, or shame about the past — this episode is for you. We’re unpacking the roots of that punitive inner voice, how it tries to keep us safe, and the real cost it can have on our self-worth, our nervous system, and our ability to grow. We’ll also explore what it looks like to relate to ourselves differently: to meet our inner critic with compassion rather than fear, and to begin the process of forgiving ourselves for the things we wish we’d done differently.

In this episode, we’ll cover:

The role of the inner critic and what it’s really trying to do
Why punishing yourself doesn’t lead to growth (and what does)
Why self-forgiveness can be so difficult
How to hold responsibility without collapsing into shame
Practical ways to begin softening your inner critic and making peace with your past

Highlighted Links

Additional Resources