(HS Fisher 096715 2026) Forging a Healing Alliance with the Inner Critic: The Protective Purpose of Trauma-Related Parts

Course overview

The inner critic gets a bad rap. Yes, we know negative self-talk is harmful and intrusive self-judgments can result in lifelong guilt, self-loathing, hopelessness, and shame. But the inner critic is also a useful adaptation in a dangerous world. Self-rejection and self-criticism are a way children maintain their attachment to abusive attachment figures. So how do we work effectively with it in therapy, acknowledging its original purpose while undoing its destructive power? In this workshop, you'll learn to help clients cultivate mindful awareness of the inner critic so they can overcome its familiar, trauma-related thought patterns. You'll discover powerful strategies for challenging it as a truth teller and understanding it as an anxious, protective, trauma-related part. You'll learn to help clients: Reframe the inner critic as a childhood protector using practical strategies from Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, IFS, and TIST Recognize the signs of trauma-related parts and their internal conflicts Lessen the inner critic's intimidating power while viewing it as a fellow victim of an abusive environment Transform a client's relationship to their inner critic This event is not endorsed by, sponsored by, or affiliated with the IFS Institute and does not qualify for IFS Institute credits or certification.