Perfectionism, Trauma Response, and the Inner Critic

We’ve all experienced the inner critic to some extent. You know, that voice inside of your head saying you’re not good enough, or that you’re a bad person. Where does this voice come from and why is it so vicious? Well, for people dealing with CPTS, this voice is even louder, and even more critical. The volume gets turned up ten notches, and turning it off feels like a game of tug of war. Understanding where this voice comes from and how it manifests is a crucial part to replacing the inner critic with self compassion.

On this episode of Trauma Rewired, Elisabeth and Jennifer sit down to discuss the inner critic, specifically the severity of it when it comes to people with CPTS, what activates the inner critic loop cycle, what part of the brain the inner critic activates, the reflexive responses associated with the inner critic, and finally, how NSI training can help with quieting the inner critic.

This type of reflexive response is created as a means of survival, the brain always wants to protect itself. However, the constant cycle of judgment, criticism, demeaning thoughts about the self becomes maladaptive when it stops serving its original purpose.

There is a way to quiet the inner critic, which we want to share with you today.

Tune in to find out how to turn down the volume on the inner critic, and the volume up on self compassion. Topics discussed in this episode:

 

• Characteristics of the inner critic for those experiencing CPTS
• Where the inner critic lives in the brain
• The fawn response and how it’s related to the inner critic
• What activates the inner critic loop?
• The root cause of the inner critic
• How authenticity is affected by attachment style
• Freeze trauma response
• The opposite of the inner critic
• How NSI training can move you out of the inner critic loop cycle
• The importance of creating an internal environment of safety 
• Being exposed to other people’s inner critic
• Gossip as an external critic
• Combating the external critic with self compassion

 

If you would like to WATCH the episode and/or have closed captions, check out our Trauma Rewired YOUTUBE channel! 

  If you would like transcripts of this episode, you can find them HERE on Apple Podcasts. 

 

Learn more about the Neuro-Somatic Intelligence Coaching program and sign up for the spring cohort now! https://www.neurosomaticintelligence.com

 

Get started training your nervous system with our FREE 2-week offer on the Brain Based Membership site: https://www.rewiretrial.com

 

Connect with us on social media: @trauma.rewired

 

Join the Trauma Rewired Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/761101225132846

 

FREE 1 Year Supply of Vitamin D + 5 Travel Packs from Athletic Greens when you use my exclusive offer: https://www.drinkag1.com/rewired

 

This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

 

Trauma Rewired podcast  is intended to educate and inform but does not constitute medical, psychological or other professional advice or services. Always consult a qualified medical professional about your specific circumstances before making any decisions based on what you hear. 

We share our experiences, explore trauma, physical reactions, mental health and disease. If you become distressed by our content, please stop listening and seek professional support when needed. Do not continue to listen if the conversations are having a negative impact on your health and well-being. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, or in mental health crisis and you are in the United States you can 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.  If someone’s life is in danger, immediately call 911. 

We do our best to stay current in research, but older episodes are always available.  We don’t warrant or guarantee that this podcast contains complete, accurate or up-to-date information. It’s very important to talk to a medical professional about your individual needs, as we aren’t responsible for any actions you take based on the information you hear in this podcast.

We  invite guests onto the podcast. Please note that we don’t verify the accuracy of their statements. Our organization does not endorse third-party content and the views of our guests do not necessarily represent the views of our organization.

We talk about general neuro-science and nervous system health, but you are unique. These are conversations for a wide audience. They are general recommendations and you are always advised to seek personal care for your unique outputs, trauma and needs. 

We are not doctors or licensed medical professionals. We are certified neuro-somatic practitioners and nervous system health/embodiment coaches. We are not your doctor or medical professional and do not know you and your unique nervous system. This podcast is not a replacement for working with a professional.

The BrainBased.com site and Rewiretrail.com is a membership site for general nervous system health, somatic processing and stress processing. It is not a substitute for medical care or the appropriate solution for anyone in mental health crisis. 

Any examples mentioned in this podcast are for illustration purposes only. If they are based on real events, names have been changed to protect the identities of those involved. 

We’ve done our best to ensure our podcast respects the intellectual property rights of others, however if you have an issue with our content, please let us know by emailing us traumarewired@gmail.com All rights in our content are reserved.