Why Am I So Hard on Myself?
Do you ever notice that you speak to yourself in a way you'd never speak to someone you care about?
Perhaps you replay conversations, criticise every mistake or feel as though nothing you do is ever quite good enough. You might dismiss your achievements, focus on what you should have done differently or carry a constant feeling that you're falling short.
Living with a harsh inner critic can be exhausting.
Many people don't even realise they're being so hard on themselves because it's become part of everyday life. They assume that constantly pushing themselves or setting impossibly high standards is normal. Over time, though, it can affect confidence, relationships and emotional wellbeing.
You may find yourself apologising when you've done nothing wrong, worrying about disappointing other people or feeling guilty whenever you put your own needs first.
It's worth asking where those expectations came from.
Person-centred counselling isn't about telling you to "be more positive" or silencing your inner critic overnight. Instead, it offers a space to understand why you speak to yourself the way you do and what those thoughts might be protecting you from.
As we explore your experiences together, you may begin to notice patterns that have shaped the way you see yourself. Often, people discover they've been carrying beliefs about who they should be for many years without ever questioning whether those beliefs are fair or helpful.
Something remarkable can happen when you feel genuinely accepted by another person. You may begin to offer yourself some of that same understanding. Not because you're lowering your standards but because you're recognising that you deserve the same kindness and compassion you so readily give to other people.
At Pebbleshed Therapy, I offer online person-centred counselling for adults across the UK. If you're tired of feeling like your own worst critic, you're welcome to book a free 20-minute initial consultation. It's a relaxed opportunity to ask questions, find out how I work and see whether we'd like to work together, with no obligation to book further sessions.
