The Inner Critic: When Self-Talk Sounds Like a Drill Sergean

Many perfectionists live with an unrelenting inner critic. It's the voice that says, “You should’ve done better,” “Why did you mess that up?” or “You’re not good enough.” While it might sound like it's motivating you, this kind of self-talk is actually depleting.

This internal voice is often modeled after past authority figures—teachers, caregivers, coaches—who praised outcomes more than effort or used criticism as a motivator. Over time, their voices become your own, driving you to push harder but never feel satisfied.

The inner critic doesn’t just affect your work—it colors how you see yourself. It undermines confidence, increases anxiety, and makes even small missteps feel like failures. You might struggle to accept praise, deflect compliments, or downplay your successes.

EMDR therapy helps reprocess the origins of this inner critic. By identifying the memories and emotional imprints that shaped your self-talk, EMDR helps quiet the harsh voice and replace it with a more compassionate, balanced internal narrative.

Want to turn your inner critic into an inner coach? Visit https://annemoigistherapy.com/ to see how EMDR can help.