10% Happier with Dan Harris How To Use Psychology and Buddhism To Handle Your Inner Critic | Amita Schmidt
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Jan 7, 2026 
Amita Schmidt, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and longtime Buddhist meditation teacher, shares her insights on the synergy between psychology and spirituality. She discusses the basics of Internal Family Systems therapy and reframes the inner critic as a protector. Amita recounts her own journey through trauma and a pivotal insight that lifted her depression. With practical tips on cultivating self-energy and embracing self-compassion, she emphasizes the power of acceptance, surrender, and accessing a wise inner presence.
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Trauma Fueled A Lifelong Path
- Amita Schmidt describes childhood trauma: two mentally ill parents and a parent who died by suicide, which propelled her toward healing work.
- She combined therapy and Buddhist practice over decades to overcome severe lifelong depression.
Depression Seen As Empty
- Amita had a pivotal retreat insight where she saw depression as empty and composed of shifting parts.
- That realization unhooked the chronic depression and it never returned for her.
Talk To Your Inner Critic
- Treat the inner critic as a protector part and ask it gently what it's trying to do.
- Use curiosity and compassion to discover its fear and address that underlying concern.
