The Inner Critic Workbook: Self-Compassion and Mindfulness Skills to Reduce Feelings of Shame, Build Self-Worth, and Improve Your Life and Relationships

(Paperback)

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Turn down the volume on your inner critic and crank up your confidence with this mindful, compassionate workbook.

Are you your own worst critic Do you live with the incessant chatter of your inner voice constantly on your case about how you never do anything right, how you're not good enough, and that you'll never be good enough Does it sometimes feel like this unwelcome, unkind voice gets so loud that it starts interfering with your daily life If so, you should know that you aren't alone-and there are steps you can take to get out from under the never-ending barrage of self-criticism. This workbook will help you learn how to see yourself with greater compassion and confidence.

The Inner Critic Workbook teaches you, step by step, how to turn down the volume on your inner critic, and crank up your confidence using proven-effective mindfulness, acceptance, and self-compassion strategies. You'll learn where this judgmental voice comes from, what's likely to trigger it, and how to soften it up with a little kindness directed inward! As you discover and connect with what matters most to you, you'll begin hearing a more authentic, compassionate-and accurate-voice.

A severe and unrelenting inner critic can make it feel like you're paralyzed with fear and self-doubt-and unable to move forward and reach your goals. If you're ready to replace "You aren't good enough!" with "You've got this," open this book, open your heart, and start caring for yourself in ways both big and small.

Reviews

"You are your worst critic is an all-too-common refrain of our shared human experience. With The Inner Critic Workbook, Shawn and Holly reveal from their deeply shared wisdom: a sure pathway to transform that inner pain into transformative growth. By putting these principles into practice, you are in the safe hands of two authors with deep professional insight who have done this work through passionately lived experience."
--Grant Dewar, PhD, life educator, and author of The Self-Forgiveness Workbook--Grant Dewar, PhD
"A harsh inner critic can cripple our efforts to build the life we want to have, and this book can help. In this clear, insightful, and intensely useful book, Shawn and Holly help us explore where those harsh voices in our heads come from, and teach us how to replace them with a helpful, compassionate inner voice."
--Russell Kolts, PhD, professor of psychology at Eastern Washington University, and author of CFT Made Simple and The Anger Workbook--Russell Kolts, PhD
"Get ready to deeply understand yourself and your inner thoughts--both the helpful and the hurtful. This beautiful workbook is informative, encouraging, and transformational. If you do the work, you will be changed. I highly recommend you give it a shot!"
--Jill Stoddard, PhD, author of Imposter No More, Be Mighty, and The Big Book of ACT Metaphors--Jill Stoddard, PhD
"I've been waiting for a workbook like this, and it delivers big time! It offers a deep exploration into the roots of self-criticism, helping clients make sense of their inner critic, then provides a step-by-step approach for building self-compassion. Packed with engaging exercises and practical tools, it's the perfect companion for therapists and clients alike, ensuring they have everything they need for real, lasting change."
--Brian Pilecki, PhD, clinical psychologist, psychedelic researcher, and author of ACT-Informed Exposure for Anxiety--Brian Pilecki, PhD
"If you're hard on yourself, this workbook is a gift. The Inner Critic Workbook is both compassionate and deeply practical, helping you develop a kinder relationship with yourself through engaging, science-backed exercises. Highly recommended for anyone who struggles with self-criticism."
--Jason Luoma, PhD, scientist studying shame and compassion, CEO of Portland Psychotherapy, and author of Learning ACT and Values in Therapy--Jason Luoma, PhD
"Shawn and Holly have written a beautiful, personal, and useful guide to softening the critical inner voice that strips vitality from life, and finding a path toward thriving that involves tenderness and gentleness toward yourself. If you find yourself not feeling like you measure up, not quite good enough, or afraid to give yourself the same tenderness and gentlehearted warmth you give others, this book is for you."
--Matthew D. Skinta, PhD, ABPP, associate professor of psychology at Roosevelt University, and author of Contextual Behavior Therapy for Sexual and Gender Minority Clients--Matthew D. Skinta, PhD, ABPP
"This workbook is an invaluable resource for anyone struggling with significant shame or self-criticism. Whether used on its own or in conjunction with therapy, this workbook guides the reader through practical and enlightening exercises and tools designed to cultivate self-kindness. More than just a science-based guide, this workbook serves as a supportive companion for anyone who finds themselves in a battle with their inner self-critic."
--Jenna LeJeune, PhD, licensed psychologist; president of Portland Psychotherapy Clinic, Research, and Training Center; and coauthor of Values in Therapy--Jenna LeJeune, PhD

Author Bio

Shawn Costello Whooley, PsyD, is a psychologist in private practice in Baltimore, MD, specializing in the use of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for problems with anxiety, trauma, and interpersonal relationships. She also uses experiential ACT with coaching clients out of the therapy room and on the hiking trail.

Holly Yates, MS, LCMHC, has been in private practice in North Carolina since 2004. She is trained in functional analytic psychotherapy (FAP), ACT, and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). She is a founding facilitator of the online ACT Peer Intervision Group sponsored through the Association of Contextual Behavior Science (ACBS), and a certified FAP trainer through University of Washington. Yates has been a presenter of FAP and ACT at ACBS World Conferences since 2016, and continues to train both internationally and domestically. Yates was a plenary speaker at the ACBS Brazil Conference in 2021. She has coauthored a chapter on FAP and couples counseling which will be released in Argentina at the upcoming ACBS World Conference.Yates is on the board of ACL Global Project, and is a member of the Functional Analytic Psychotherapy International Board for Certification (FAPCEP).