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Softening Self-Blame And Self-Criticism: Befriending Your Inner Critic With IFS
With Vanessa Leon-GonzalezDo you find yourself constantly criticizing yourself, second-guessing your decisions, or believing that everything is somehow your fault? If so, you're not alone. In this course, you'll discover a different way of relating to your inner critic through the compassionate framework of Internal Family Systems (IFS). Rather than trying to silence or eliminate self-critical thoughts, you'll learn to understand the protective role your inner critic has been trying to play and why self-blame can feel so convincing. Through guided reflections, experiential exercises, and IFS-informed teachings, you'll begin to distinguish healthy responsibility from self-blame, meet the vulnerable parts beneath your criticism, and strengthen the calm, compassionate presence within you that IFS calls the Self. This isn't about becoming a different person or forcing positive thinking. It's about developing a kinder, wiser relationship with every part of yourself, including the ones that criticize, doubt, or push you the hardest. If you're ready to move from self-judgment toward self-understanding, this course offers a gentle path home to yourself.
Discover how Internal Family Systems (IFS) can help you understand your inner critic, soften self-blame, and cultivate a more compassionate relationship with yourself.
About this course
Do you find yourself constantly criticizing yourself, second-guessing your decisions, or believing that everything is somehow your fault? If so, you're not alone. In this course, you'll discover a different way of relating to your inner critic through the compassionate framework of Internal Family Systems (IFS). Rather than trying to silence or eliminate self-critical thoughts, you'll learn to understand the protective role your inner critic has been trying to play and why self-blame can feel so convincing. Through guided reflections, experiential exercises, and IFS-informed teachings, you'll begin to distinguish healthy responsibility from self-blame, meet the vulnerable parts beneath your criticism, and strengthen the calm, compassionate presence within you that IFS calls the Self. This isn't about becoming a different person or forcing positive thinking. It's about developing a kinder, wiser relationship with every part of yourself, including the ones that criticize, doubt, or push you the hardest. If you're ready to move from self-judgment toward self-understanding, this course offers a gentle path home to yourself.
Meet your Teacher
Vanessa Leon-Gonzalez is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) specializing in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and EMDR. She works with individuals and couples to help them heal from trauma, reduce self-criticism, and build more compassionate relationships with themselves and others. Drawing from years of clinical experience, Vanessa is passionate about helping people understand the protective parts of themselves—including the inner critic—with curiosity rather than judgment. Her approach is warm, experiential, and grounded in the belief that healing happens through self-understanding, compassion, and connection.