Self-Worth
&
Your Inner Critic

In person therapy at QueenCare in Brockville and virtually across Ontario.

When the way you speak to yourself is harsher than anything you'd say to someone you love.

Maybe you're quick to notice what you could have done better, uncomfortable accepting praise, or constantly comparing yourself to the people around you. You may hold yourself to expectations you'd never place on anyone else—and still feel like you're falling short.

Over time, that critical voice can become so familiar that it starts to sound like the truth.

Therapy can help you understand where these patterns came from, recognize the beliefs that keep them going, and begin developing a relationship with yourself rooted in compassion rather than criticism.

Does Any of This Feel Familiar?

You can easily offer compassion to other people but struggle to extend the same kindness to yourself.
You replay mistakes or conversations and focus on what you should have done differently.
You feel like your worth is connected to how productive, helpful, successful, or needed you are.
You compare yourself to other people and almost always seem to come up short.
Receiving criticism—even small amounts—can stay with you for a long time.
You have a hard time saying no or setting boundaries because you're worried about disappointing someone.
You minimize your accomplishments but magnify your mistakes.
You find yourself thinking things like “I should be doing more,” “I'm not good enough,” or “Why can't I just get it together?”
Even when other people reassure you, part of you has trouble believing them.

That critical voice may have developed for a reason—but it doesn't have to keep running the conversation.

Self-Worth Struggles Can Look Different for Everyone

The Inner Critic
A persistent internal voice that notices mistakes, questions your decisions, compares you to others, and rarely seems satisfied with what you've done.

Perfectionism
Feeling as though things need to be done exceptionally well—or not at all. Mistakes can feel less like something you did and more like evidence of who you are.

People-Pleasing
Prioritizing other people's comfort, needs or expectations while having difficulty identifying or expressing your own.

Productivity & Worth
Rest can feel uncomfortable. Accomplishing things feels good temporarily, but there's always another task—and slowing down can bring guilt.

Boundaries & Guilt
You may know intellectually that you're allowed to have limits, while emotionally feeling selfish or guilty when you actually set them.

Comparison & Feeling “Not Enough”
Whether it's parenting, work, relationships, appearance or life milestones, there always seems to be someone doing it better.

You don't have to earn your worth.

Therapy isn't about eliminating every critical thought or convincing yourself that everything you do is perfect. It's about learning to notice that voice without automatically believing it, understanding the experiences that shaped the way you see yourself, and developing a more compassionate and realistic relationship with yourself.