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We all have an inner critic—a voice within that evaluates, judges, and often berates us. While it may vary in tone and intensity from person to person, the inner critic is a near-universal experience. It frequently manifests as self-doubt, harsh judgment, or relentless perfectionism, shaping how we view ourselves and
Childhood trauma leaves lasting imprints on one’s psyche, shaping how individuals perceive themselves and relate to others. For men, societal expectations and norms about strength and emotional restraint can exacerbate these scars, with shame often playing a central, unacknowledged role. One of the most insidious aspects of shame, especially toxic
This is the latest installment of articles on toxic shame. I have been focusing on shame and the role it plays in emotional suffering for several reasons. First, it is a central experience in childhood for many who have suffered traumatic attachment wounds. Whether the shame remains fully conscious or
There are a wide range of issues that can motivate someone to start therapy. Anxiety and depression, struggles with alcohol and/or substances, relationship challenges, and the fallout of infidelity are common examples. Emotional distress, self-sabotaging behaviors, or a pervasive sense of unease often stem from underlying issues that may not
“I wish I could be more like my friend Jermaine. When he gets rejected, he just shrugs and lets it roll off his back. ‘Their loss,’ he’ll say, sometimes with a tinge of anger. But not me. When I get rejected, I sink down into a shame response so deep