Helping our patients to improve their internal self talk

How many of us and our patients are so tactful when talking to others, but are so blunt and critical when talking to ourselves.

We pay so much attention and focus on improving our external communication, but put little investment into our own internal communication with ourselves.

Why is that?

Maybe it’s hidden and we don’t usually get external feedback for our internal self talk. Then it becomes a chronic habit perhaps. 

Criticize others unfairly and we get immediate feedback.

Criticize self unfairly and no one to give us immediate feedback.

In counseling, one of the things we do is to help folks reflect on their inner self talk or dialogue.  

Be aware.
Notice with curiosity.
Acknowledge.
Is it helpful?
If helpful, then we keep.
If unhelpful, then we change.

We don’t need permission for that do we?