What Is Self-Criticism? Understanding Its Impact on Perfectionist Teens and Women
Self-criticism is a harsh inner voice that constantly judges and belittles you. It's like having a mean critic in your head, always pointing out your flaws and mistakes. Self-criticism involves focusing on your perceived shortcomings and holding yourself to impossibly high standards. This negative self-talk can make you feel anxious, depressed, and unworthy.
What Is Anxious Perfectionism?
Picture this: you're up late, triple-checking that work project for the millionth time. Your heart's racing, palms are sweaty, and you're convinced it's still not good enough. Sound familiar?
Welcome to the world of anxious perfectionism, where "good enough" is never quite enough.
Open Letter to Therapists
Dear therapists,
You’re falling for a scam. Truly, you are. The mental health system has been so broken, for so long, that things look like solutions when they aren’t. Big tech is taking over mental health, and you’re letting it happen. Some of you are unwittingly participating. Don’t worry, I have, too.
Parenting: What do I do with defensiveness?
…your child’s attachment system can perceive your behavior as threatening, whether or not you intend to be threatening. Your best bet is to attend to that FIRST and FOREMOST. Then, you can more successfully accomplish the original goal of getting them to change a particular behavior.
Be your kid’s lawyer
Just as a lawyer would stand up for you in court, whether you did it or you didn’t, you stand up for your kid…You will sit beside them behind the table in front of the “judge” (whoever that may be) even if they did what they’re accused of.
Be your kid’s coach
Be your kid’s coach by helping them come up with creative solutions that work WITH how their brain works rather than against. Reduce your frustration and increase their self-confidence.
Be your kid’s…
I want to offer ideas on how we can support children. I am calling it “Be your kid’s...” This is because it’s a result of a few personal experiences in which I believe I sort of served a role for my kids that was helpful, but could easily be classified as something other than being their parent. For example, “Be your kid’s lawyer”…