Search Results for: critical inner voice

Why Am I Still Single? 8 Reasons People Often Stay Single

…at no one worthwhile would be interested in them. We all possess “critical inner voices” that tell us we are too fat, too ugly, too old or too different. When we listen to these “voices,” we engage in behaviors that push people away. When we remain single, it is not for the reasons that we’re telling ourselves. Our lack of confidence leaves us giving off signals of not being open, creating a catch 22 in the realm of dating. Many people even have t…

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Anxious Attachment: Understanding Insecure Anxious Attachment

…ch as depression. How are patterns of attachment supported by the critical inner voice? The pessimistic beliefs and expectations associated with adult attachment patterns are reinforced by destructive thoughts or critical inner voices about oneself, others, and the world in general. These critical voices strongly influence a person’s style of relating in an intimate relationship. People with a preoccupied adult attachment have “voices” that suppor…

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Parents and Self-esteem

Your Child’s Self Esteem Starts With You

…anxiety lead to the formation of the “Anti-Self System” and the “Critical Inner Voice” that accompanies it. The Anti-Self System represents a variety of destructive and critical attitudes children adopt toward themselves and the world at large. The Critical Inner Voice operates as an internalized parent, reminding people of their flaws, warning them against certain actions, and instructing them about how to perceive the world. Hurtful parental at…

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Your Worst Enemy is Within by Robert Firestone, Ph.D.

…self, they do not imply a simple solution; the process of challenging the inner voice by taking action and working through the anxiety associated with change is essential for expanding one’s life. The theory and methodology have value in revealing the core of resistance to any form of psychotherapeutic movement or constructive behavioral change. The therapeutic venture, by counteracting the dictates of the negative voice and disrupting fantasies…

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Suicide and the Inner Voice: Risk Assessment, Treatment and Case Management

…ibution? The answers to both questions are at the heart of Suicide and the Inner Voice. Dr. Firestone believes that the key to understanding suicidal behavior comes from a knowledge of the destructive thought processes of those at risk and an awareness of their origins in early family interactions. He tells us that the negative events in our lives are not nearly as harmful as what we tell ourselves about them. From an understanding of how one begi…

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You Don’t Really Know Yourself

…e attitudes toward the self continue into adulthood and are represented by inner voices that denigrate and abuse the self. People are largely unconscious of the extent and depth of their self-destructive thoughts and the maladaptive behavior that they predispose. They tend to accept their negative identity as the status quo and rarely think to challenge it. Also, they often defend this outlook to their own detriment and are resistant to changing a…

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What To Do When a Loved One is Depressed

…, it’s important that you help this person to not side with this “critical inner voice.” You can encourage them to stand up to this “voice” by having them state their more rational point of view out loud. You can remind them when they’re getting low that they may be taking the advice of this internal enemy. They can learn more about the critical inner voice and how to combat it here. Participate in activities that help them feel better There are m…

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Bad Mood: 10 Ways to Overcome a Bad Mood

…l enemy or what psychologist Dr. Robert Firestone describes as a “critical inner voice” that comments negatively on ourselves and others. This destructive internal enemy feeds us an ongoing stream of thoughts that tell us things like: “You’re nothing. Just give up. People don’t like you. No one respects you. You should just avoid them. Don’t even try. No one could understand you. You can’t handle this. You’re a mess.” Most of the time, if we think…

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Why Are You Avoiding Intimacy?

…could truly care for us. This low opinion is often the work of a “critical inner voice” we all possess, which is like an enemy in our head that constantly tries to bring us down. This “voice” likes to make us feel unloveable and doubtful of anyone’s feelings toward us. It fosters critical and suspicious attitudes in us toward ourselves, our partners, and relationships in general. Because this voice is shaped out of painful childhood experiences an…

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Videos

Select from PsychAlive’s featured playlists or browse videos below. Playlists Playlists Self-Development Parenting Relationships Dr. Robert Firestone Dr. Lisa Firestone Dr. Carol Gilligan Dr. James Gilligan Dr. James and Dr. Carol Gilligan Dr. James Garbarino Dr. Kirk Schneider Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn Dr. Dan Siegel Dr. Peter A. Levine Dr. Pat Love Dr. Sheldon Solomon Dr. Donald Meichenbaum Dr. Donna Rockwell Dr. Daniel Zamir Dr. Christine Courtois Dr…

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