PSYCHOLOGY OF US

All self-criticism has its own function, which can range from compassionate self-improvement to shame-based punishment. Perhaps surprisingly, our inner critics are guides that are trying to serve us in some way. Albeit misguided, they may be trying to motivate us, protect us, guide us, or punish us.   Monkey therapy draws from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, […]

In Western societies, confidence is valued. High self-esteem is considered a personal strength. In order to build confidence levels, we tell our children they are special.

Though guilt and shame are similar and often used interchangeably, recent neuroscience research suggests that they are very different emotional processes. They both underpin self-correction but they are made up of different brain chemistry, are based on different beliefs, and motivate different reactions (1). Guilt arises when we think that we have done damage to […]

Our inner critics can be erosive, exhausting, and even damaging to us. But they can be very effective at motivating us too. (Read more about this here). The following post will provide suggestions on how to add a more compassionate and constructive voice to your mix of inner critical voices.   Visualise your inner critic. […]