Why You Judge Yourself So Harshly—and How a Therapist in CT Can Help You Heal
Why is it easier to point out ten negative things about ourselves but when it’s time to come up with just one positive, we feel stumped? It feels easier to judge ourselves and point out the flaws, but impossible to say something nice about ourselves.
As a therapist in Connecticut who works with adults experiencing self-criticism, depression, and low self-esteem, I help clients quiet their inner critic and reconnect with their strengths. I’ve witnessed many adults move from despair and negativity to optimism and self-compassion. Whether you're navigating chronic depression or feeling stuck in cycles of self-doubt, therapy can help you heal from the harsh inner voice and embrace a more compassionate self-view.
Understanding the Inner Critic: A Common Experience in Depression
You might find yourself constantly blaming and criticizing yourself, which only deepens your emotional pain. But here’s the truth: depression isn’t a character flaw—it’s a mental illness, like diabetes or heart disease. Along with physical symptoms like fatigue and sleep disruptions, depression often shows up as relentless negative thinking.
This cycle of harsh self-judgment can leave you stuck. You might wonder, do negative thoughts cause depression—or does depression fuel negative thoughts? Either way, depression and self-criticism go hand in hand, and both can distort your sense of reality.
Many people struggling with low self-worth and shame have early life experiences where their feelings weren’t validated or accepted. Over time, you may have learned to suppress your emotions, believe you’re “too much” or “not enough,” and carry those painful beliefs into adulthood.
This cycle often looks like:
Harsh self-judgment → Shame and guilt
Shame → Withdrawal and isolation
Isolation → Deepening depression
The good news? You don’t have to stay stuck in that cycle. With the right support, you can begin to change how you see yourself—and your story.
What to Expect from Depression Therapy in CT
If your negative self-talk feels overwhelming, working with a compassionate therapist in CT can be life-changing. You might feel like things will never get better, but depression treatment rooted in evidence-based approaches can help you find relief and clarity.
At Embrace Calmness Counseling, I offer a holistic and integrative approach to therapy. Together, we’ll explore the roots of your inner critic—often shaped by early experiences—and build tools to help you take back control of your life. My approach includes:
CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) for depression and self-criticism
Mindfulness-based therapy to quiet racing thoughts and reconnect with your present self
Compassion-focused techniques to help you replace judgment with understanding
Inner child and trauma-informed work to understand where the inner critic originated
The goal is not just symptom relief—but real, meaningful healing. You’ll learn how to recognize the false beliefs that hold you back and replace them with self-trust, confidence, and empowerment.
Why Choose a CT Therapist for Chronic Depression and Low Self-Esteem
Healing takes time, but you don’t have to walk this path alone. Whether you're dealing with:
Persistent negative self-talk
High-functioning depression
Perfectionism and shame
Low self-esteem and confidence issues
Emotional burnout from being “too hard on yourself”
I’m here to help.
As a licensed therapist in Connecticut, I specialize in working with adults who feel stuck in cycles of shame and self-blame. I provide a safe, affirming space to uncover your truth, reconnect with your worth, and rediscover what makes you whole.
Take the First Step Toward Healing Your Inner Critic
You are not alone in this journey toward healing and self-discovery. Freedom from self-judgment and negative thinking is possible. Transformation is within reach.