Crop faceless female feeling helpless and frustrated embracing knees while sitting on bed in loneliness

Negative self-talk is everywhere in our society. It can sneak in quietly, making it hard to notice when our inner critic starts speaking. 😔 Often, this voice is aggressive, mean, and full of lies that can damage how we see ourselves. This is especially true for people recovering from sexual compulsive behaviors, where the inner critic can increase feelings of shame and inadequacy.

But there’s hope! 🌟 The key is to reframe these negative thoughts into positive, truthful statements. This process—sometimes called mental sparring—means actively fighting back with facts and kindness toward yourself.

Why Reframing Matters 🔄

Reframing is about replacing negative self-talk like “I’m inadequate” with empowering truths such as:

  • “I am hardworking.”

  • “I am a good person.”

These affirmations become even stronger when backed by evidence. For example:
✔️ You’ve been working hard on building meaningful relationships.
✔️ You are taking steps to heal and grow every day.

By focusing on these truths, you can silence your inner critic and encourage self-compassion. ❤️

Be Aggressive With Your Positive Self-Talk ⚔️

Negative self-talk is aggressive—so fight back with equal strength! Here’s how:

  1. Journal Your Wins 📔
    Write down 2-3 specific accomplishments each day that show your progress. For example, “Today I reached out to a friend.”

  2. Surround Yourself with Positivity 🤝
    Spend time with people who uplift you and support your recovery.

  3. Seek Therapy Support 🧑‍⚕️
    Therapists can help rewire those deep negative beliefs using techniques like CBT and IFS.

Final Thoughts 💡

Reframing your inner critic takes practice but is essential for lasting recovery. By actively replacing negative messages with truth and kindness, you can transform your mindset and heal. If you’re ready to start this journey, therapy can be your strongest ally.


Ready to silence your inner critic and embrace a healthier you?
📞 Contact Big Valley Therapy today to schedule your first session and start your path toward self-acceptance and healing.

No responses yet

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *