Andrea
Andrea
SHITSHOW SATURDAY #167 - The Inner Critic: Us vs. "Normies"
SHITSHOW SATURDAY #167 - The Inner Critic: Us vs. "Normies"
SHITSHOW SATURDAY #167 - The Inner Critic: Us vs. "Normies"
Saturday 23rd August 2025
Explore the inner critic's role in trauma survivors vs. normies. Learn how childhood experiences shape self-identity and healing journeys.
Explicit
39 minutes
challenging
reflective
informative
hopeful
personal
About this podcast
Author:
Andrea
Overview:
Categories:
Healing Relationships
Healing from Sexual Trauma
Recovery from Trauma
Sobriety Toolkit
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
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Episodes:
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Get the buttons here!Unpacking the Inner Critic: Survival vs. Normies
Episode Overview
- Trauma survivors have a harsher inner critic.
- The critic is tied to survival and toxic shame.
- Healing involves unlearning negative self-talk.
- Personal stories highlight the critic's impact.
- Support communities aid in overcoming challenges.
The inner critic isn't just critical; it's fused with survival.
In this insightful episode of Shitshow Saturday, the host Andrea Pellegrini delves into the complexities of the inner critic, particularly in individuals who have experienced chaotic or traumatic childhoods. The inner critic is a pervasive voice that can be harsh and relentless, especially for trauma survivors. Unlike 'normies', whose inner critic arises from everyday socialization, trauma survivors often internalize a critic that is fused with survival instincts.
This episode contrasts the inner critic's role in trauma survivors with that of individuals who have not experienced such trauma. For non-traumatized individuals, the inner critic tends to be situational, flaring up in specific contexts, such as before a presentation. However, for trauma survivors, the critic is a constant background noise, shaming every misstep and attacking their identity. Andrea discusses how the inner critic for trauma survivors is often an internalized caregiver's voice that carried shame, neglect, or emotional abuse.
This voice isn't just critical; it's deeply tied to toxic shame and the felt sense of being inherently unworthy. Survivors often struggle with maintaining connections and avoiding rejection, as their critic polices them to stay small and perfect. Personal reflections from Andrea highlight the critic's impact on self-perception and relationships. She shares how meeting someone with a shared experience helped change her life, and how she is unlearning negative self-talk.
Experiences like her cousin's wedding illustrate the critic's role in her interactions and self-worth. Listeners are encouraged to engage with support communities to aid in overcoming these challenges. Andrea's journey exemplifies the process of healing and unlearning the distorted identity that the inner critic perpetuates. By choosing to confront and understand these emotions, individuals can begin to reclaim their self-identity and find peace within themselves.