criticism

Treating yourself kindly isn’t always easy. Whether you’re beating yourself up for your mistakes, brushing off your accomplishments, or holding the bar way too high, regular self-criticism can leave you wondering: Why am I so hard on myself? Maybe the question even came from a loved one or therapist who…

Cognitive distortions are inaccurate thoughts that we believe to be rational but only serve to perpetuate negative thought patterns and behaviors—ones that often make us feel bad about ourselves.  Because cognitive distortions are the backbone of negative thinking and emotions, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on helping patients change these…

Have you noticed negative mental dialogue going on in your own head, calling yourself names and incessantly chattering? This thought pattern is called self-criticism, which is the act of evaluating, judging, or scrutinizing oneself, often in a negative or harsh manner. This critical voice can manifest in various ways, such…

In some settings, perfectionism can be an excellent asset to have, allowing someone to be extremely detailed and precise in their work. However, maintaining this level of precision can be exhausting and stressful.  Many things can cause someone to become a perfectionist, but it’s important to manage the high expectations…

Many people don’t respond well to criticism; however, when we learn how to accept and respond well to criticism, we can use it to our benefit. Here’s how: First, stop yourself from reacting right away. Our first response to criticism isn’t usually productive, but defensive. Then, remind yourself that most…