Maybe It Isn’t Self-Sabotage: What the Inner Critic is Really Trying to Do
Episode Summary:
We all know the voice: the one that whispers you’re not ready, you’re not enough, you’re bound to fail. It’s often labeled the inner critic—and for many of us, it feels like the enemy. But what if that voice isn’t actually trying to sabotage you?
In this episode, Renae and Laura explore the surprising role of the inner critic through the lens of Internal Family Systems (IFS). Instead of being a cruel judge, the critic is often a protector—an overzealous part of us trying to keep us safe from pain, rejection, or disappointment.
By shifting how we relate to this part, we can begin to hear its hidden intentions and guide it back into balance—so we can step forward with clarity and compassion.
Key Takeaways:
🌱 Why the inner critic shows up most strongly right before growth or change.
🔄 How to see the critic as one part of you—not your whole identity.
💭 The protective intentions behind self-criticism and how to uncover them.
✨ Practical ways to move from battling your critic to building a relationship with it.
Call to Action:
If this conversation resonated, share it with someone who struggles with self-doubt or self-sabotage. And if you’re ready for deeper support in creating rhythms of care, explore The Pause—a membership community for restoration, resilience, and renewal. https://renaemdupuis.com/the-pause-membership/