We all have a voice inside our head, sometimes encouraging, sometimes harsh. The Inner Critic tends to magnify our flaws, shame us for mistakes, and push us with fear. On the other hand, the Inner Coach speaks with compassion, accountability, and encouragement.

The critic isn’t inherently bad; it developed to keep us safe from rejection or failure. But when it dominates, it leaves us stuck in cycles of shame, perfectionism, and self-doubt. Learning to recognize and respond to this voice with your Inner Coach can help you shift from self-sabotage to self-support.

In this blog, we’ll explore common “types” of Inner Critics, the research behind self-compassion, and practical exercises to rewrite your inner script,  including journaling prompts, mirror talk, and sensory anchors to help you stay grounded.

Read more to discover how to turn down the critic and strengthen the coach within you.