A CBT Technique: Silencing the Inner Critic (through visualisation and externalising self-talk)

A CBT exercise to identify and silence our unhelpful “inner critic” self-talk that makes us feel bad by constantly whispering negative self-evaluations in our minds. This chatter can lead to anxiety, depression, and self-sabotage. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy helps identify these destructive thought patterns and teaches how to replace them with fact-based thoughts. You can neutralise this inner critic by ‘personifying and externalising’ it, recognising its chatter, and refusing to comply with harmful instructions. The use of simple yet effective techniques like visualisation, mantra recitation, and even a routine of a wrist-rubber-band snap can help build control of it. Continue reading →